JP2021122852A - Manufacturing method of vehicle knuckle, and vehicle knuckle - Google Patents

Manufacturing method of vehicle knuckle, and vehicle knuckle Download PDF

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JP2021122852A
JP2021122852A JP2020019816A JP2020019816A JP2021122852A JP 2021122852 A JP2021122852 A JP 2021122852A JP 2020019816 A JP2020019816 A JP 2020019816A JP 2020019816 A JP2020019816 A JP 2020019816A JP 2021122852 A JP2021122852 A JP 2021122852A
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rib
base wall
knuckle
lower mold
mold
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JP7393236B2 (en
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安剛 大久保
Yasutake Okubo
安剛 大久保
寛哲 細井
Hiroaki Hosoi
寛哲 細井
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Kobe Steel Ltd
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Abstract

To provide a vehicle knuckle which can improve the camber rigidity of a knuckle upper part of the vehicle knuckle manufactured with forging and provide a manufacturing method of the same.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of a vehicle knuckle 10 comprises: a forging step of forging the shape of a vehicle knuckle 10 by sandwiching a raw material 200 between a lower die 101 and an upper die 102; and a die-releasing step of releasing the lower die 101 and the upper die 102 from the raw material 200 after forging. A first division line 121 equivalent to a boundary between a first lower die outer part 110 and a first upper die outer part 114 in such a state that the lower die 101 and the upper die 102 are closed is provided at a position apart from a base wall part 22 with respect to the center position 25 in the protrusion direction of a first rib 24. A second division line 122 equivalent to a boundary between a second lower die outer part 112 and a second upper die outer part 116 in the closed state is provided at a position apart from the base wall part 22 with respect to the center position 27 in the protrusion direction of a second rib 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

本発明は、車両用ナックルの製造方法及び車両用ナックルに関する。 The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a knuckle for a vehicle and a knuckle for a vehicle.

従来、車両のサスペンションに組み込まれる車両用ナックルが知られている。この車両用ナックルは、サスペンションのロワアーム、アッパーアーム、タイロッド及び車輪支持体と接続され、それらを相互に連結するものである。下記特許文献１には、このような車両用ナックルの一例が示されている。 Conventionally, a knuckle for a vehicle to be incorporated in a suspension of a vehicle is known. This vehicle knuckle is connected to the lower arm, upper arm, tie rod and wheel support of the suspension and connects them to each other. The following Patent Document 1 shows an example of such a vehicle knuckle.

下記特許文献１に開示された車両用ナックルは、車輪を回転自在に支持する車輪支持体が取り付けられるナックル下部としての本体部と、本体部から上方へ延びてアッパーアームに連結されるナックル上部としての第一アームと、本体部から車両の前後方向の一方側へ突出してタイロッドに相当するリンク部材に連結される第二アームと、本体部の下部から車両の幅方向の内側へ突出してロワアームに連結される第三アームと、を有する。前記第一アームは、概ね上下方向に延びる基底壁部と、車両の前後方向における基底壁部の両端からそれぞれ車両の幅方向内側へ突出する一対のリブである第一縦壁部及び第二縦壁部と、を有する。 The vehicle knuckle disclosed in Patent Document 1 below has a main body portion as a lower portion of the knuckle to which a wheel support for rotatably supporting the wheel is attached, and an upper portion of the knuckle extending upward from the main body portion and connected to the upper arm. The first arm, the second arm that protrudes from the main body to one side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and is connected to the link member corresponding to the tie rod, and the lower arm that protrudes inward in the width direction of the vehicle from the lower part of the main body. It has a third arm to be connected. The first arm has a base wall portion extending in the vertical direction and a pair of ribs protruding inward in the width direction of the vehicle from both ends of the base wall portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, respectively. It has a wall part.

特開２００７−２２２５０号公報JP-A-2007-22250

ところで、車両の走行中に車両用ナックルにかかる荷重には車両の前後方向への荷重であるキャスター入力と車両の幅方向（左右方向）への荷重であるキャンバー入力とがあるが、車両の操縦安定性を向上するために、車両の幅方向へのキャンバー入力に対するナックル上部の曲げ剛性であるキャンバー剛性を高めることが求められる。近年、車両用ナックルの製造方法として車両用ナックルを鍛造によって製造する方法が提案されているが、この提案されている方法では、金型から鍛造後の車両用ナックルを分離させるために金型の分割ラインの位置に応じた抜き勾配が必要となることに起因してナックル上部の前記キャンバー剛性を高めることが困難になる場合がある。 By the way, the load applied to the knuckle for a vehicle while the vehicle is running includes a caster input which is a load in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and a camber input which is a load in the width direction (horizontal direction) of the vehicle. In order to improve the stability, it is required to increase the camber rigidity, which is the bending rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle with respect to the camber input in the width direction of the vehicle. In recent years, a method of manufacturing a vehicle knuckle by forging has been proposed as a method of manufacturing a vehicle knuckle, but in this proposed method, in order to separate the forged vehicle knuckle from the mold, the die is used. It may be difficult to increase the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle due to the need for a draft according to the position of the dividing line.

具体的に、車両用ナックルを鍛造によって製造する場合には、下型と上型とに分割された金型内で素材が車両用ナックルの形状に鍛造される。 Specifically, when the vehicle knuckle is manufactured by forging, the material is forged into the shape of the vehicle knuckle in the mold divided into the lower mold and the upper mold.

上型は、ナックル上部の基壁部及び一対のリブのそれぞれの内側面を成形する凸部と、その凸部から一対のリブの突出方向の先端を越えて両外側へ延びる上型外側部と、を有する。また、下型は、当該下型と上型とが型閉めされた状態で上型の凸部の先端面との間に前記基壁部の肉厚に相当する分の間隔をあけて配置されて前記基壁部の外側面を成形する部分と、その部分から前記一対のリブの両外側へ延び、当該下型と上型との型閉め方向において上型外側部と対向する下型外側部と、を有する。金型の分割ライン、すなわち下型と上型との間の分割ラインは、下型外側部と上型外側部との間に設けられ、一般的には一対のリブの基壁部からの突出方向における基壁部寄りの位置に設けられる。 The upper mold has a convex portion that forms the inner surface of each of the base wall portion of the upper part of the knuckle and the pair of ribs, and the outer portion of the upper mold that extends from the convex portion to both outer sides beyond the tips of the pair of ribs in the protruding direction. , Have. Further, the lower mold is arranged with a space corresponding to the wall thickness of the base wall portion between the lower mold and the upper mold and the tip surface of the convex portion of the upper mold in a state where the mold is closed. A portion for forming the outer surface of the base wall portion, and a lower mold outer portion extending from the portion to both outer sides of the pair of ribs and facing the upper mold outer portion in the mold closing direction of the lower mold and the upper mold. And have. The mold dividing line, that is, the dividing line between the lower mold and the upper mold, is provided between the outer portion of the lower mold and the outer portion of the upper mold, and generally protrudes from the base wall portion of the pair of ribs. It is provided at a position closer to the base wall in the direction.

上型外側部は、前記凸部の両側方に当該上型外側部と前記凸部との間に空間を形成するように構成され、各リブの先端から分割ラインの位置までの部分は、前記凸部と当該上型外側部との間で鍛造される。そして、鍛造後の車両用ナックルは、一対のリブの突出方向に沿って下型及び上型のそれぞれから分離される。この分離の際にリブを上型の凸部と上型外側部との間から抜き出せるようにするため、リブの内側面を成形する凸部の外側面とリブの外側面を成形する上型外側部の内側面とにはそれぞれ抜き勾配が設けられる。すなわち、凸部の外側面と上型外側部の内側面は、リブの先端から基壁部側へ向かうにつれて徐々に互いに遠ざかるように傾斜する斜面とされる。このため、鍛造されたナックル上部の各リブは、前記分割ラインの位置からその各リブの先端へ向かうにつれて肉厚が徐々に減少する形状とならざるを得ない。 The upper die outer portion is configured to form a space between the upper die outer portion and the convex portion on both sides of the convex portion, and the portion from the tip of each rib to the position of the dividing line is the portion. It is forged between the convex portion and the outer portion of the upper mold. Then, the forged vehicle knuckle is separated from each of the lower mold and the upper mold along the projecting direction of the pair of ribs. In order to allow the ribs to be pulled out from between the convex portion of the upper mold and the outer portion of the upper mold during this separation, the upper mold for molding the outer surface of the convex portion for forming the inner surface of the rib and the outer surface of the rib. A draft is provided on the inner surface of the outer portion. That is, the outer surface of the convex portion and the inner surface of the outer portion of the upper mold are slopes that incline so as to gradually move away from each other from the tip of the rib toward the base wall portion side. Therefore, each rib on the upper part of the forged knuckle has to have a shape in which the wall thickness gradually decreases from the position of the dividing line toward the tip of each rib.

ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性を高めるためには、当該ナックル上部の基壁部から車両の幅方向の一方側へ突出する各リブのうち基壁部からより離れた部位の肉厚を大きくすることが有効であるが、前記のように各リブの形状が基壁部寄りに設けられた分割ラインの位置からその各リブの先端へ向かうにつれて肉厚が徐々に減少する形状とならざるを得ないことから、各リブのうち基壁部からより離れた部位の肉厚を大きくすることが困難になり、ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性を高めることが困難になる。 In order to increase the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle, it is effective to increase the wall thickness of each rib protruding from the base wall part of the upper part of the knuckle to one side in the width direction of the vehicle, which is farther from the base wall part. However, as described above, the shape of each rib has to be a shape in which the wall thickness gradually decreases from the position of the dividing line provided near the base wall toward the tip of each rib. , It becomes difficult to increase the wall thickness of each rib at a portion farther from the base wall portion, and it becomes difficult to increase the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle.

本発明の目的は、鍛造により製造される車両用ナックルのナックル上部のキャンバー剛性を高めることが可能な車両用ナックル及びその製造方法を提供することである。 An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle knuckle capable of increasing the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle of the vehicle knuckle manufactured by forging, and a method for manufacturing the knuckle.

本発明により提供される車両用ナックルの製造方法は、車輪支持体が取り付けられるナックル下部と、前記ナックル下部から連続するように設けられてサスペンションのアッパーアームに連結されるナックル上部とを備え、前記ナックル上部が、車両の前後方向に沿って配置される基壁部と、前記車両の前後方向における前記基壁部の一端部から前記車両の幅方向における一方側へ突出する第１リブと、前記基壁部の前記一端部と反対側の端部から前記一方側へ突出する第２リブとを有する車両用ナックルを製造する方法である。この製造方法は、下型と上型との間で素材を挟み込むことにより前記素材を前記車両用ナックルの形状に鍛造する鍛造工程と、鍛造後の前記素材から前記下型及び前記上型を分離させる離型工程と、を備える。前記下型は、前記鍛造工程において前記基壁部の外側面から前記第１リブ及び前記第２リブのそれぞれの外側面にかけての領域を成形するように構成されていて、前記第１リブの外側で当該第１リブの外側面を成形する第１下型外側部と、前記第２リブの外側で当該第２リブの外側面を成形する第２下型外側部と、を有する。前記上型は、前記鍛造工程において前記第１下型外側部と前記第２下型外側部との間に挿入されて前記基壁部の内側面から前記第１リブ及び前記第２リブのそれぞれの内側面にかけての領域を成形する上型内側成形部と、前記鍛造工程において前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態で前記第１リブの外側において前記第１下型外側部と当接する第１上型外側部と、前記鍛造工程において前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態で前記第２リブの外側において前記第２下型外側部と当接する第２上型外側部と、を有する。前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態での前記第１下型外側部と前記第１上型外側部との間の境界に相当する第１分割ラインが前記第１リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第１リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置に設けられる。前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態での前記第２下型外側部と前記第２上型外側部との間の境界に相当する第２分割ラインが前記第２リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第２リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置に設けられる。 The method for manufacturing a vehicle knuckle provided by the present invention includes a lower part of the knuckle to which a wheel support is attached and an upper part of the knuckle which is provided so as to be continuous from the lower part of the knuckle and is connected to the upper arm of the suspension. A base wall portion in which the upper portion of the knuckle is arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first rib projecting from one end of the base wall portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle to one side in the width direction of the vehicle, and the above. This is a method for manufacturing a knuckle for a vehicle having a second rib projecting from one end of the base wall portion on the opposite side to the one end. This manufacturing method includes a forging step of forging the material into the shape of the vehicle knuckle by sandwiching the material between the lower mold and the upper mold, and separating the lower mold and the upper mold from the forged material. It is provided with a mold release process. The lower mold is configured to form a region from the outer surface of the base wall portion to the outer surfaces of the first rib and the second rib in the forging step, and is configured to form a region outside the first rib. It has a first lower mold outer portion for forming the outer surface of the first rib, and a second lower mold outer portion for forming the outer surface of the second rib on the outer side of the second rib. The upper mold is inserted between the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the second lower mold in the forging step, and the first rib and the second rib are respectively inserted from the inner surface of the base wall portion. An upper mold inner molding portion for molding a region extending to the inner side surface of the mold, and the first lower mold outer portion outside the first rib with the lower mold and the upper mold closed in the forging step. A second upper mold that contacts the outer portion of the first upper mold that comes into contact with the outer portion of the second lower mold outside the second rib in a state where the lower mold and the upper mold are closed in the forging process. It has an outer part and. The first dividing line corresponding to the boundary between the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the first upper mold in a state where the lower mold and the upper mold are closed is the said of the first rib. It is provided at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the first rib in the projecting direction from the base wall portion. The second dividing line corresponding to the boundary between the outer portion of the second lower mold and the outer portion of the second upper mold in a state where the lower mold and the upper mold are closed is the said second rib. It is provided at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the second rib in the projecting direction from the base wall portion.

従来、車両用ナックルを鍛造により製造する場合には分割ラインをナックル上部の基壁部寄りの位置に設けるのが一般的であるところ、この車両用ナックルの製造方法では、あえて分割ラインをナックル上部の第１及び第２リブの基壁部からの突出方向における中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた位置に設けることで、鍛造後の素材から下型を分離できるようにするための抜き勾配を利用して第１及び第２リブをそれらの前記中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた位置まで大きい肉厚に成形することができ、その結果、ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性が高い車両用ナックルを製造することができる。 Conventionally, when manufacturing a vehicle knuckle by forging, it is common to provide a dividing line at a position near the base wall of the upper part of the knuckle. By providing the first and second ribs at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position in the projecting direction from the base wall portion, a draft is provided so that the lower die can be separated from the forged material. The first and second ribs can be formed to a larger wall thickness from their central position to a position farther from the base wall portion, and as a result, a vehicle knuckle having a high camber rigidity at the upper part of the knuckle. Can be manufactured.

具体的に、この車両用ナックルの製造方法では、第１下型外側部と第１上型外側部との間の第１分割ラインが第１リブの突出方向における中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた位置に設けられるとともに、第２下型外側部と第２上型外側部との間の第２分割ラインが第２リブの突出方向における中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた位置に設けられるため、鍛造工程において、第１リブのうち基壁部側の端部から当該第１リブの前記中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた第１分割ラインの位置までの部分が第１下型外側部と上型内側成形部との間で成形されるとともに、第２リブのうち基壁部側の端部から当該第２リブの前記中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた第２分割ラインの位置までの部分が第２下型外側部と上型内側成形部との間で成形される。そして、上型内側成形部のうち第１リブの内側面と第２リブの内側面とを成形する両外側面には、鍛造工程後の離型工程において鍛造後の素材の第１リブと第２リブとの間から当該上型内側成形部を抜き出せるようにするために第１及び第２リブの突出方向の先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々に互いに遠ざかるように傾斜する抜き勾配が設けられ、それに伴って第１リブの内側面及び第２リブの内側面はそれらのリブの先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々にその第１リブと第２リブの両外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面にそれぞれ成形されるが、第１下型外側部及び第２下型外側部のそれぞれの内側面には、鍛造後の素材を当該第１下型外側部と当該第２下型外側部との間から抜き出せるようにするために第１及び第２分割ライン側へ向かうにつれて徐々に当該第１下型外側部の内側面と当該第２下型外側部の内側面とが互いに遠ざかるように傾斜する抜き勾配がそれぞれ設けられるため、第１リブのうち基壁部側の端部から第１分割ラインの位置までの部分の外側面は第１リブの内側面と同様に先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々に外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面に成形されるとともに、第２リブのうち基壁部側の端部から第２分割ラインの位置までの部分の外側面は第２リブの内側面と同様に先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々に外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面に成形される。このため、第１リブのうち基壁部側の端部から当該第１リブの突出方向の中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた第１分割ラインの位置までの部分の肉厚を大きくすることができるとともに、第２リブのうち基壁部側の端部から当該第２リブの突出方向の中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた第２分割ラインの位置までの部分の肉厚を大きくすることができる。このため、第１及び第２分割ラインが基壁部寄りの位置に設けられていてその基壁部寄りの位置から第１及び第２リブのそれぞれの突出方向の先端までの部分を抜き勾配のために先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々に肉厚が減少する形状に成形せざるを得ない従来の製造方法に比べて、第１及び第２リブを基壁部からより離れた位置まで大きい肉厚に成形することができ、ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性を高めることができる。 Specifically, in this method for manufacturing a vehicle knuckle, the first dividing line between the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the first upper mold is the base wall portion rather than the central position in the protruding direction of the first rib. A position where the second dividing line between the outer portion of the second lower mold and the outer portion of the second upper mold is farther from the base wall portion than the central position in the protruding direction of the second rib. In the forging process, the portion of the first rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the first dividing line away from the base wall portion from the central position of the first rib is the first. 1 It is molded between the outer part of the lower mold and the inner part of the upper mold, and is farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the second rib from the end portion of the second rib on the base wall portion side. The portion up to the position of the second dividing line is formed between the outer portion of the second lower mold and the inner molding portion of the upper mold. Then, on both outer surfaces for molding the inner side surface of the first rib and the inner side surface of the second rib of the upper mold inner molding portion, the first rib and the first rib of the material after forging in the mold release step after the forging step are formed. In order to allow the upper mold inner molded portion to be pulled out from between the two ribs, a draft is provided so as to gradually move away from each other toward the tip side in the protruding direction of the first and second ribs. Along with this, the inner surface of the first rib and the inner surface of the second rib are formed into slopes that gradually incline toward both outer sides of the first rib and the second rib toward the tip end side of the ribs. However, on the inner side surfaces of the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the second lower mold, the forged material can be extracted from between the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the second lower mold. The draft slope gradually inclines so that the inner side surface of the first lower mold outer portion and the inner surface of the second lower mold outer portion gradually move away from each other toward the first and second division line sides. Since it is provided, the outer surface of the portion of the first rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the first dividing line gradually goes outward as it goes toward the tip side like the inner surface of the first rib. The outer surface of the second rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the second dividing line is formed into a slope that inclines toward the tip side as well as the inner surface of the second rib. It is formed into a slope that gradually slopes outward. Therefore, the wall thickness of the portion of the first rib from the end portion on the base wall portion side to the position of the first dividing line away from the base wall portion is made larger than the central position in the protruding direction of the first rib. In addition, the wall thickness of the portion of the second rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the second dividing line away from the base wall portion from the central position in the protruding direction of the second rib can be increased. It can be made larger. For this reason, the first and second dividing lines are provided at positions closer to the base wall portion, and the portion from the position near the base wall portion to the tip of each of the first and second ribs in the protruding direction is drafted. Therefore, compared to the conventional manufacturing method in which the wall thickness gradually decreases toward the tip side, the first and second ribs have a larger wall thickness to a position farther from the base wall portion. It can be molded and the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle can be increased.

前記第１分割ラインは、前記第１リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第１リブ先端の位置に設けられ、前記第２分割ラインは、前記第２リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第２リブ先端の位置に設けられることが好ましい。 The first dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the first rib, which is the portion of the first rib farthest from the base wall portion, and the second dividing line is the base wall of the second rib. It is preferable that the portion is provided at the position of the tip of the second rib, which is the most distant portion from the portion.

こうすれば、鍛造工程において、第１リブの基壁部側の端部から第１リブ先端に亘る第１リブ全体の外側面が第１下型外側部によって成形されるとともに、第２リブの基壁部側の端部から第２リブ先端に亘る第２リブ全体の外側面が第２下型外側部によって成形される。そのため、第１下型外側部の内側面に設けられる抜き勾配を利用して第１リブの外側面全体を第１リブ先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々に外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面に成形することができるとともに、第２下型外側部の内側面に設けられる抜き勾配を利用して第２リブの外側面全体を第２リブ先端側へ向かうにつれて徐々に外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面に成形することができる。そのため、第１リブの基壁部側の端部から第１リブ先端に亘る第１リブ全体が大きい肉厚を有するように第１リブを成形できるとともに、第２リブの基壁部側の端部から第２リブ先端に亘る第２リブ全体が大きい肉厚を有するように第２リブを成形できる。その結果、ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性をより高めることができる。 In this way, in the forging process, the outer surface of the entire first rib extending from the end portion of the first rib on the base wall side to the tip of the first rib is formed by the outer portion of the first lower mold, and the second rib is formed. The outer surface of the entire second rib extending from the end on the base wall side to the tip of the second rib is formed by the outer portion of the second lower mold. Therefore, the entire outer surface of the first rib is formed into a slope that gradually inclines outward toward the tip end side of the first rib by utilizing the draft provided on the inner surface of the outer portion of the first lower mold. The entire outer surface of the second rib is formed into a slope that gradually slopes outward toward the tip of the second rib by utilizing the draft provided on the inner surface of the outer portion of the second lower mold. can do. Therefore, the first rib can be formed so that the entire first rib extending from the end of the first rib on the base wall side to the tip of the first rib has a large wall thickness, and the end of the second rib on the base wall side is formed. The second rib can be formed so that the entire second rib extending from the portion to the tip of the second rib has a large wall thickness. As a result, the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle can be further increased.

前記第１下型外側部は、前記鍛造工程において前記第１リブの外側面を成形する第１下型内側面を有し、前記第１下型内側面は、前記第１分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第２下型外側部と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜し、前記第２下型外側部は、前記鍛造工程において前記第２リブの外側面を成形する第２下型内側面を有し、前記第２下型外側部は、前記第２分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第１下型外側部と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜していることが好ましい。 The outer portion of the first lower mold has a first lower mold inner surface for forming the outer surface of the first rib in the forging step, and the inner surface of the first lower mold becomes closer to the first dividing line. The second lower mold outer portion is inclined toward the outside opposite to the second lower mold outer portion, and the second lower mold outer portion has a second lower mold inner surface that forms the outer surface of the second rib in the forging step. It is preferable that the outer portion of the second lower mold is inclined toward the outer side opposite to the outer portion of the first lower mold as it approaches the second dividing line.

また、本発明により提供される車両用ナックルは、車輪支持体が取り付けられるナックル下部と、前記ナックル下部から連続するように設けられてサスペンションのアッパーアームに連結されるナックル上部と、を備える。前記ナックル上部は、車両の前後方向に沿って配置される基壁部と、前記車両の前後方向における前記基壁部の一端部から前記車両の幅方向における一方側へ突出する第１リブと、前記基壁部の前記一端部と反対側の端部から前記一方側へ突出する第２リブと、を有する。前記第１リブは、前記第２リブと反対側を向く面である第１リブ外側面を有する。前記第２リブは、前記第１リブと反対側を向く面である第２リブ外側面を有する。前記第１リブ外側面のうち前記第１リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第１リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置には、前記車両用ナックルが下型と上型との間で鍛造されたときに前記下型のうち前記第１リブの外側で前記第１リブ外側面を成形する第１下型外側部と前記上型のうち前記第１リブの外側に位置する第１上型外側部との間の境界に形成される第１分割ラインが設けられている。前記第２リブ外側面のうち前記第２リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第２リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置には、前記車両用ナックルが前記下型と前記上型との間で鍛造されたときに前記下型のうち前記第２リブの外側で前記第２リブ外側面を成形する第２下型外側部と前記上型のうち前記第２リブの外側に位置する第２上型外側部との間の境界に形成される第２分割ラインが設けられている。 Further, the vehicle knuckle provided by the present invention includes a lower part of the knuckle to which the wheel support is attached, and an upper part of the knuckle which is provided so as to be continuous from the lower part of the knuckle and is connected to the upper arm of the suspension. The upper part of the knuckle includes a base wall portion arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a first rib protruding from one end of the base wall portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle to one side in the width direction of the vehicle. It has a second rib projecting from an end portion of the base wall portion opposite to the one end portion to the one side. The first rib has an outer surface of the first rib, which is a surface facing the opposite side of the second rib. The second rib has an outer surface of the second rib, which is a surface facing the opposite side of the first rib. The vehicle knuckle is a lower die at a position of the outer surface of the first rib that is farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the first rib in the projecting direction of the first rib from the base wall portion. When forged between the upper mold and the upper mold, the outer portion of the first lower mold that forms the outer surface of the first rib on the outer side of the first rib of the lower mold and the first rib of the upper mold A first dividing line is provided at the boundary between the outer portion of the first upper die and the outer portion located on the outer side. The vehicle knuckle is located below the outer surface of the second rib at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the second rib in the projecting direction of the second rib from the base wall portion. When forged between the mold and the upper mold, the outer portion of the second lower mold that forms the outer surface of the second rib on the outer side of the second rib of the lower mold and the second of the upper molds. A second dividing line is provided at the boundary between the outer portion of the second upper die and the outer portion of the second upper die located on the outer side of the rib.

この車両用ナックルでは、前記製造方法と同様の理由により、第１リブのうち基壁部側の端部から当該第１リブの突出方向の中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた第１分割ラインの位置までの部分の肉厚を大きくすることができるとともに、第２リブのうち基壁部側の端部から当該第２リブの突出方向の中央の位置よりも基壁部から離れた第２分割ラインの位置までの部分の肉厚を大きくすることができる。このため、ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性を高めることができる。 In this vehicle knuckle, for the same reason as in the manufacturing method, the first division of the first rib is separated from the base wall portion from the central position in the protruding direction of the first rib from the end portion on the base wall portion side. The wall thickness of the portion up to the position of the line can be increased, and the second rib is located farther from the base wall portion than the central position in the protruding direction of the second rib from the end portion on the base wall portion side of the second rib. The wall thickness of the portion up to the position of the 2-split line can be increased. Therefore, the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle can be increased.

前記第１分割ラインは、前記第１リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第１リブ先端の位置に設けられ、前記第２分割ラインは、前記第２リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第２リブ先端の位置に設けられていることが好ましい。 The first dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the first rib, which is the portion of the first rib farthest from the base wall portion, and the second dividing line is the base wall of the second rib. It is preferable that the portion is provided at the position of the tip of the second rib, which is the portion farthest from the portion.

前記第１分割ラインは、前記第１リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第１リブ先端の位置に設けられ、前記第２分割ラインは、前記第２リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第２リブ先端の位置に設けられていることが好ましい。 The first dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the first rib, which is the portion of the first rib farthest from the base wall portion, and the second dividing line is the base wall of the second rib. It is preferable that the portion is provided at the position of the tip of the second rib, which is the portion farthest from the portion.

この構成によれば、第１リブの基壁部側の端部から第１リブ先端に亘る第１リブ全体の肉厚を大きくすることができるとともに、第２リブの基壁部側の端部から第２リブ先端に亘る第２リブ全体の肉厚を大きくすることができる。その結果、ナックル上部のキャンバー剛性をより高めることができる。 According to this configuration, the wall thickness of the entire first rib extending from the end portion of the first rib on the base wall portion side to the tip of the first rib can be increased, and the end portion of the second rib on the base wall portion side can be increased. The wall thickness of the entire second rib extending from the tip to the tip of the second rib can be increased. As a result, the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle can be further increased.

前記第１リブ外側面のうち前記基壁部側の端部から前記第１分割ラインの位置までの領域は、前記第１分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第２リブと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜し、前記第２リブ外側面のうち前記基壁部側の端部から前記第２分割ラインの位置までの領域は、前記第２分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第１リブと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜していることが好ましい。 The region of the outer surface of the first rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the first dividing line is inclined toward the outside opposite to the second rib as it approaches the first dividing line. Then, the region of the outer surface of the second rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the second dividing line is directed to the outside opposite to the first rib as it approaches the second dividing line. It is preferable that it is inclined to.

以上のように、本発明によれば、鍛造により製造される車両用ナックルのナックル上部のキャンバー剛性を高めることができる。 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the camber rigidity of the upper part of the knuckle of the vehicle knuckle manufactured by forging.

本発明の一実施形態による車両用ナックルを含むサスペンションの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the suspension including the knuckle for a vehicle according to one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施形態による車両用ナックルを車両幅方向の外側から内側へ向かって見た状態で模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the state which the knuckle for a vehicle by one Embodiment of this invention is seen from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. 本発明の一実施形態による車両用ナックルを車両の後方から前方へ向かって見た状態で模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the knuckle for a vehicle by one Embodiment of this invention in the state which looked at from the rear to the front of the vehicle. 図２中のＩＶ−ＩＶ線に沿った車両用ナックルの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the knuckle for a vehicle along the IV-IV line in FIG. 本発明の一実施形態による車両用ナックルの製造方法を説明するための図であって、鍛造工程前の下型、上型及び素材を示す図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the knuckle for a vehicle by one Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the lower die, the upper die and the material before the forging process. 本発明の一実施形態による車両用ナックルの製造方法を説明するための図であって、鍛造工程後の下型、上型及び素材を示す図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the knuckle for a vehicle by one Embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the lower die, the upper die and the material after a forging process. シミュレーションにより得られた、車両用ナックルの基壁部外側面から第１及び第２分割ラインまでの距離とＸ軸周りの断面２次モーメント及びＹ軸周りの断面２次モーメントとの相関関係を示す図である。The correlation between the distance from the outer surface of the base wall of the vehicle knuckle to the first and second dividing lines and the moment of inertia of area around the X-axis and the moment of inertia of area around the Y-axis obtained by simulation is shown. It is a figure. 本発明の比較例による車両用ナックルの製造方法における鍛造工程後の下型、上型及び素材を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the lower mold, the upper mold and the material after the forging process in the manufacturing method of the knuckle for a vehicle by the comparative example of this invention. 本発明の一変形例による車両用ナックルの製造方法における鍛造工程後の下型、上型及び素材を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the lower mold, the upper mold and the material after the forging process in the manufacturing method of the knuckle for a vehicle by one modification of this invention. 本発明の別の変形例による車両用ナックルの図４に相当する断面図である。It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 4 of the knuckle for a vehicle by another modification of this invention.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態について説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の一実施形態による車両用ナックル１０を含むサスペンション５０の斜視図である。図２は、車両用ナックル１０を車両幅方向の外側から内側へ向かって見た状態で模式的に示す図である。図３は、車両用ナックル１０を車両の後方から前方へ向かって見た状態で模式的に示す図である。図４は、図２中のＩＶ−ＩＶ線に沿った車両用ナックル１０の断面図である。なお、図１、図３及び図４に示される方向において、左（外）は車両の後方から前方へ向かって見た状態での車両の左方向であって車両幅方向の外側へ向かう方向を意味し、右（内）は車両の後方から前方へ向かって見た状態での車両の右方向であって車両幅方向の内側へ向かう方向を意味する。 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suspension 50 including a vehicle knuckle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle knuckle 10 in a state of being viewed from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle knuckle 10 in a state of being viewed from the rear to the front of the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle knuckle 10 along the IV-IV line in FIG. In the directions shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the left (outside) is the left direction of the vehicle when viewed from the rear to the front of the vehicle, and the direction toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. The right (inside) means the right direction of the vehicle when viewed from the rear to the front of the vehicle, and the direction toward the inside in the vehicle width direction.

サスペンション５０は、図略の自動車の車両本体と車輪Ｔとの間に設けられる懸架装置であり、車輪Ｔを保持して車輪Ｔの姿勢を維持する機能と図略の車両本体への路面状態の伝達を防止する機能とを有する。また、このサスペンション５０は、自動車の車輪Ｔが回転可能で且つ操向可能となるように当該車輪Ｔを支持する。このサスペンション５０は、図１に示すように、車輪支持体２と、ショックアブソーバ４と、ロワアーム６と、アッパーアーム８と、図略のタイロッドと、車両用ナックル１０と、を備える。 The suspension 50 is a suspension device provided between the vehicle body of the illustrated automobile and the wheels T, and has a function of holding the wheels T to maintain the posture of the wheels T and a road surface condition to the vehicle body of the illustration. It has a function to prevent transmission. Further, the suspension 50 supports the wheel T of the automobile so that the wheel T can be rotated and steered. As shown in FIG. 1, the suspension 50 includes a wheel support 2, a shock absorber 4, a lower arm 6, an upper arm 8, a tie rod (not shown), and a knuckle 10 for a vehicle.

車輪支持体２は、車輪Ｔを支持するものである。具体的には、この車輪支持体２は、図略の軸受を介して車輪Ｔを支持し、それによって車輪Ｔが回転可能となるように当該車輪Ｔを支持する。 The wheel support 2 supports the wheel T. Specifically, the wheel support 2 supports the wheel T via a bearing (not shown), whereby the wheel T is supported so that the wheel T can rotate.

ショックアブソーバ４は、車両が走行中に路面から受ける衝撃を吸収するとともに車両本体の振動を吸収するものである。ショックアブソーバ４は、伸縮可能な油圧シリンダ４ａと、スプリング４ｂと、を有する。油圧シリンダ４ａは、ショックアブソーバ４の本体部分である。油圧シリンダ４ａの上端部は図略の車両本体に接続され、油圧シリンダ４ａの下端部はロワアーム６に接続されている。油圧シリンダ４ａは、路面の凹凸に応じた車輪Ｔの上下移動に伴って伸縮し、それによって路面から受ける衝撃を吸収する。スプリング４ｂは、油圧シリンダ４ａの上部の外周に油圧シリンダ４ａと同軸となるように配置され、油圧シリンダ４ａの伸縮に応じて伸縮することで緩衝機能を発揮する。 The shock absorber 4 absorbs the shock received from the road surface while the vehicle is traveling and also absorbs the vibration of the vehicle body. The shock absorber 4 has a telescopic hydraulic cylinder 4a and a spring 4b. The hydraulic cylinder 4a is a main body portion of the shock absorber 4. The upper end of the hydraulic cylinder 4a is connected to the vehicle body (not shown), and the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder 4a is connected to the lower arm 6. The hydraulic cylinder 4a expands and contracts as the wheels T move up and down according to the unevenness of the road surface, thereby absorbing the impact received from the road surface. The spring 4b is arranged on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the hydraulic cylinder 4a so as to be coaxial with the hydraulic cylinder 4a, and exerts a cushioning function by expanding and contracting according to the expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder 4a.

ロワアーム６は、ショックアブソーバ４の下側の位置で車両幅方向に延在している。ロワアーム６は、当該ロワアーム６のうち車両幅方向の内側の端部において、車両の前後方向に延びる軸回りに揺動可能に車両本体に接続されている。換言すれば、ロワアーム６は、その車両幅方向の外側の端部が上下に移動するように揺動可能となっている。 The lower arm 6 extends in the vehicle width direction at a position below the shock absorber 4. The lower arm 6 is connected to the vehicle body so as to swing around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at the inner end of the lower arm 6 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the lower arm 6 can swing so that its outer end in the vehicle width direction moves up and down.

アッパーアーム８は、ショックアブソーバ４の上端部付近に配置されている。アッパーアーム８は、その車両幅方向の内側の一端部において、車両の前後方向に延びる軸回りに揺動可能となるように車両本体に接続されている。アッパーアーム８は、車両本体に接続された前記一端部から車両幅方向の外側へ延びている。 The upper arm 8 is arranged near the upper end portion of the shock absorber 4. The upper arm 8 is connected to the vehicle body so as to be swingable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle at one end on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The upper arm 8 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the one end portion connected to the vehicle body.

図略のタイロッドは、図略のステアリングの操作を車両用ナックル１０へ伝達する部材である。このタイロッドは、図略のステアリングギアボックスから車両幅方向の外側へ延び、その先端部において車両用ナックル１０の後述のタイロッド支持部１８（図２参照）に上下方向に延びる軸回りに回動可能に接続されている。ステアリングの操作は、図略のステアリングギアボックスで車両の左右方向への動きに変換されてタイロッドに伝達され、当該タイロッドから車両用ナックル１０へ伝達されるようになっている。 The tie rod (not shown) is a member that transmits the steering operation (not shown) to the vehicle knuckle 10. This tie rod extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the steering gear box (not shown), and at its tip, it can rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction to the tie rod support portion 18 (see FIG. 2) described later of the vehicle knuckle 10. It is connected to the. The steering operation is converted into left-right movement of the vehicle by the steering gear box (not shown) and transmitted to the tie rod, and is transmitted from the tie rod to the vehicle knuckle 10.

本実施形態による車両用ナックル１０は、いわゆるハイマウントナックルである。以下、この車両用ナックル１０を単にナックル１０と称する。ナックル１０は、車輪Ｔが当該車輪Ｔの中心軸回りに回転可能となるように前記車輪支持体２を介して当該車輪Ｔを支持するとともに、ロワアーム６及びアッパーアーム８に連結される。ナックル１０は、アルミニウム合金製であり、型鍛造によって製造される。このアルミニウム合金製のナックル１０は、鉄鋼材料からなるナックルに比べて非常に軽量であり、その軽量さの割に比較的高い強度を有し、また、耐食性にも優れている。ナックル１０は、概ね上下方向に延びる姿勢で配置される。ナックル１０は、ナックル下部１４と、ナックル上部１６と、タイロッド支持部１８と、を有する。 The vehicle knuckle 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called high mount knuckle. Hereinafter, the knuckle 10 for a vehicle is simply referred to as a knuckle 10. The knuckle 10 supports the wheel T via the wheel support 2 so that the wheel T can rotate around the central axis of the wheel T, and is connected to the lower arm 6 and the upper arm 8. The knuckle 10 is made of an aluminum alloy and is manufactured by die forging. The knuckle 10 made of an aluminum alloy is much lighter than a knuckle made of a steel material, has relatively high strength for its light weight, and is also excellent in corrosion resistance. The knuckle 10 is arranged in a posture extending substantially in the vertical direction. The knuckle 10 has a knuckle lower part 14, a knuckle upper part 16, and a tie rod support portion 18.

ナックル下部１４は、ナックル１０の上下方向の中間位置から下側の部分である。ナックル下部１４は、前記車輪支持体２が取り付けられる取付部２０（図２参照）を有する。この取付部２０には、ナックル下部１４を車両幅方向において貫通する丸孔２０ａが設けられており、当該丸孔２０ａに車輪Ｔの図略のシャフトが挿通されるようになっている。ナックル下部１４の下端部は、概ね上下方向に沿って延びるナックル１０の軸心回りに回動可能となるようにロワアーム６の車両幅方向の外側の端部に連結されている。 The lower portion 14 of the knuckle is a portion below the intermediate position in the vertical direction of the knuckle 10. The knuckle lower portion 14 has a mounting portion 20 (see FIG. 2) to which the wheel support 2 is mounted. The mounting portion 20 is provided with a round hole 20a that penetrates the lower portion 14 of the knuckle in the vehicle width direction, and the shaft (not shown) of the wheel T is inserted into the round hole 20a. The lower end of the lower portion 14 of the knuckle is connected to the outer end of the lower arm 6 in the vehicle width direction so as to be rotatable around the axis of the knuckle 10 extending substantially in the vertical direction.

ナックル上部１６は、ナックル１０の上下方向の中間位置から上側の部分である。ナックル上部１６は、ナックル下部１４から連続してそのナックル下部１４と一体的に設けられており、図３に示すようにナックル下部１４から上方へ湾曲しつつ延びている。具体的には、ナックル上部１６は、ナックル下部１４の上端から上側へ向かうにつれて徐々に車両幅方向の内側へ向かうように延びる部分と、その部分からさらに上側へ向かうにつれて徐々に車両幅方向の外側へ向かうように湾曲しつつ延びる部分と、を有する。ナックル上部１６の上端部２１は、ナックル１０の軸心回りに回動可能となるようにアッパーアーム８（図１参照）の車両幅方向の外側の端部に連結されている。 The knuckle upper portion 16 is a portion above the knuckle 10 from an intermediate position in the vertical direction. The knuckle upper part 16 is continuously provided from the knuckle lower part 14 and integrally with the knuckle lower part 14, and extends upward from the knuckle lower part 14 while being curved as shown in FIG. Specifically, the upper portion 16 of the knuckle has a portion that gradually extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper end of the lower portion 14 of the knuckle toward the upper side, and a portion that gradually extends outward in the vehicle width direction from that portion toward the upper side. It has a portion that extends while curving toward. The upper end portion 21 of the knuckle upper portion 16 is connected to the outer end portion of the upper arm 8 (see FIG. 1) in the vehicle width direction so as to be rotatable around the axis of the knuckle 10.

ナックル上部１６の上端部２１がナックル１０の軸心回りに回動可能となるようにアッパーアーム８に連結されるとともに、前記のようにナックル下部１４の下端部がナックル１０の軸心回りに回動可能となるようにロワアーム６に連結されていることにより、ナックル１０はその軸心回りに回動可能となっている。そのため、ステアリングの操作が図略のステアリングギアボックスで車両の左右方向への動きに変換されて図略のタイロッドに伝達され、さらにそのタイロッドからナックル１０へ伝達されたときに、ナックル１０がその軸心回りに回動し、当該ナックル１０の回動に伴って、車輪支持体２及びその車輪支持体２によって支持された車輪Ｔが車両用ナックル１０の軸心を中心として操向されるようになっている。 The upper end 21 of the knuckle upper portion 16 is connected to the upper arm 8 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the knuckle 10, and the lower end of the knuckle lower portion 14 is rotated around the axis of the knuckle 10 as described above. By being connected to the lower arm 6 so as to be movable, the knuckle 10 can rotate around its axis. Therefore, when the steering operation is converted into the left-right movement of the vehicle by the steering gear box shown in the figure and transmitted to the tie rod shown in the figure, and further transmitted from the tie rod to the knuckle 10, the knuckle 10 is its axis. It rotates around the center, and as the knuckle 10 rotates, the wheel support 2 and the wheel T supported by the wheel support 2 are steered around the axis of the vehicle knuckle 10. It has become.

ナックル上部１６は、図４に示すように、基壁部２２と、第１リブ２４と、第２リブ２６と、を有する。 As shown in FIG. 4, the knuckle upper portion 16 has a base wall portion 22, a first rib 24, and a second rib 26.

基壁部２２は、車両の前後方向に沿って配置されるとともに、上下方向に湾曲しつつ延びる板状の部分である。基壁部２２は、図４に示すように、基壁部内側面２２ａと、基壁部外側面２２ｂと、を有する。基壁部内側面２２ａは、ナックル１０が車両に設置された状態で車両幅方向の内側を向く面である。また、基壁部外側面２２ｂは、ナックル１０が車両に設置された状態で車両幅方向の外側を向く面である。換言すれば、基壁部内側面２２ａは、基壁部２２と後述のように当該基壁部２２から突出する第１リブ２４及び第２リブ２６とによって囲まれる空間の内側を向く面であり、基壁部外側面２２ｂは、基壁部内側面２２ａと反対側の面である。 The base wall portion 22 is a plate-shaped portion that is arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle and extends while being curved in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the base wall portion 22 has an inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion and an outer surface 22b of the base wall portion. The inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion is a surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction with the knuckle 10 installed in the vehicle. Further, the base wall portion outer surface 22b is a surface facing outward in the vehicle width direction with the knuckle 10 installed in the vehicle. In other words, the inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion is a surface facing the inside of the space surrounded by the base wall portion 22 and the first rib 24 and the second rib 26 protruding from the base wall portion 22 as described later. The base wall portion outer surface 22b is a surface opposite to the base wall portion inner side surface 22a.

第１リブ２４は、車両の前後方向に沿う基壁部２２の幅方向の一端部から車両幅方向における一方側へ突出し、第２リブ２６は、基壁部２２の幅方向の前記一端部と反対側の端部から車両幅方向における前記一方側へ突出している。具体的には、第１リブ２４は、基壁部２２の前側の端部から車両幅方向の内側へ突出し、第２リブ２６は、基壁部２２の後側の端部から車両幅方向の内側へ突出している。第１リブ２４と第２リブ２６は、それらの間に間隔をあけて配置されている。また、第１リブ２４及び第２リブ２６は、基壁部２２の幅方向の各端部が延びる方向に沿って基壁部２２の長手方向（上下方向）に湾曲しつつ延びている。 The first rib 24 projects from one end in the width direction of the base wall portion 22 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle to one side in the vehicle width direction, and the second rib 26 is the one end portion in the width direction of the base wall portion 22. It protrudes from the opposite end toward the one side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the first rib 24 projects inward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the base wall portion 22, and the second rib 26 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the base wall portion 22 in the vehicle width direction. It protrudes inward. The first rib 24 and the second rib 26 are arranged at intervals between them. Further, the first rib 24 and the second rib 26 extend while being curved in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the base wall portion 22 along the direction in which each end portion in the width direction of the base wall portion 22 extends.

第１リブ２４は、当該第１リブ２４のうち基壁部２２から最も離れた部位である第１リブ先端２４ａを有する。すなわち、この第１リブ先端２４ａは、基壁部２２からの第１リブ２４の突出方向における先端であり、第１リブ２４の基壁部２２と反対側の端部である。また、第１リブ２４は、第１リブ内側面２４ｂと、第１リブ外側面２４ｃと、を有する。第１リブ内側面２４ｂは、第１リブ２４のうち当該第１リブ２４と第２リブ２６と基壁部２２とによって囲まれる空間の内側を向く面、すなわち第２リブ２６側を向く面である。第１リブ外側面２４ｃは、第１リブ２４のうち第１リブ内側面２４ｂと反対側の面、すなわち第２リブ２６と反対側を向く面である。 The first rib 24 has a first rib tip 24a which is a portion of the first rib 24 farthest from the base wall portion 22. That is, the first rib tip 24a is the tip of the first rib 24 in the projecting direction from the base wall portion 22, and is the end of the first rib 24 on the opposite side of the base wall portion 22. Further, the first rib 24 has an inner side surface 24b of the first rib and an outer surface 24c of the first rib. The inner side surface 24b of the first rib is a surface of the first rib 24 that faces the inside of the space surrounded by the first rib 24, the second rib 26, and the base wall portion 22, that is, a surface that faces the second rib 26 side. be. The outer surface 24c of the first rib is a surface of the first rib 24 opposite to the inner side surface 24b of the first rib, that is, a surface facing the side opposite to the second rib 26.

第１リブ内側面２４ｂは、当該第１リブ内側面２４ｂの基壁部２２側の端部において基壁部内側面２２ａと繋がっている。第１リブ内側面２４ｂは、基壁部２２から第１リブ先端２４ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第２リブ２６と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜している。 The inner side surface 24b of the first rib is connected to the inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion at the end of the inner side surface 24b of the first rib on the base wall portion 22 side. The inner side surface 24b of the first rib is gradually inclined toward the outside opposite to the second rib 26 from the base wall portion 22 toward the tip end 24a of the first rib.

第１リブ外側面２４ｃは、当該第１リブ外側面２４ｃの基壁部２２側の端部において基壁部外側面２２ｂと繋がっている。第１リブ外側面２４ｃのうち第１リブ２４の基壁部２２からの突出方向における当該第１リブ２４の中央の位置２５よりも基壁部２２から離れた位置には、ナックル１０が後述のように下型１０１と上型１０２との間で鍛造されたときに下型１０１のうち第１リブ２４の外側で第１リブ外側面２４ｃを成形する第１下型外側部１１０と上型１０２のうち第１リブ２４の外側に位置する第１上型外側部１１４との間の境界に形成される第１分割ライン１２１が設けられている。この第１分割ライン１２１は、本実施形態では、第１リブ外側面２４ｃのうち第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けられている。そして、本実施形態では、第１リブ外側面２４ｃのうち基壁部２２側の端部から第１分割ライン１２１が設けられた第１リブ先端２４ａの位置までの当該第１リブ外側面２４ｃ全体が、第１分割ライン１２１に近づくにつれて徐々に第２リブ２６と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜している。この第１リブ外側面２４ｃの傾斜角度は、前記第１リブ内側面２４ｂの傾斜角度と実質的に同じである。すなわち、第１リブ外側面２４ｃは、前記第１リブ内側面２４ｂと略平行に延びている。 The outer surface 24c of the first rib is connected to the outer surface 22b of the base wall at the end of the outer surface 24c of the first rib on the base wall 22 side. A knuckle 10 will be described later at a position of the outer surface 24c of the first rib 24 that is farther from the base wall portion 22 than the central position 25 of the first rib 24 in the projecting direction from the base wall portion 22 of the first rib 24. When forged between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 as described above, the first lower mold outer portion 110 and the upper mold 102 form the first rib outer surface 24c on the outer side of the first rib 24 of the lower mold 101. A first dividing line 121 formed at a boundary between the first rib 24 and the outer portion 114 of the first upper die located outside the first rib 24 is provided. In the present embodiment, the first dividing line 121 is provided at the position of the first rib tip 24a on the outer surface 24c of the first rib. Then, in the present embodiment, the entire outer surface 24c of the first rib from the end of the outer surface 24c of the first rib on the side of the base wall 22 to the position of the tip 24a of the first rib provided with the first dividing line 121. However, as it approaches the first dividing line 121, it gradually inclines toward the outside opposite to the second rib 26. The inclination angle of the outer surface 24c of the first rib is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the inner side surface 24b of the first rib. That is, the outer surface 24c of the first rib extends substantially parallel to the inner surface 24b of the first rib.

第２リブ２６は、当該第２リブ２６のうち基壁部２２から最も離れた部位である第２リブ先端２６ａを有する。すなわち、この第２リブ先端２６ａは、基壁部２２からの第２リブ２６の突出方向における先端であり、第２リブ２６の基壁部２２と反対側の端部である。また、第２リブ２６は、第２リブ内側面２６ｂと、第２リブ外側面２６ｃと、を有する。第２リブ内側面２６ｂは、第２リブ２６のうち当該第２リブ２６と第１リブ２４と基壁部２２とによって囲まれる空間の内側を向く面、すなわち第１リブ２４側を向く面である。第２リブ外側面２６ｃは、第２リブ２６のうち第２リブ内側面２６ｂと反対側の面、すなわち第１リブ２４と反対側を向く面である。 The second rib 26 has a second rib tip 26a which is a portion of the second rib 26 farthest from the base wall portion 22. That is, the second rib tip 26a is the tip of the second rib 26 in the projecting direction from the base wall portion 22, and is the end of the second rib 26 on the opposite side of the base wall portion 22. Further, the second rib 26 has an inner side surface 26b of the second rib and an outer surface 26c of the second rib. The inner side surface 26b of the second rib is a surface of the second rib 26 that faces the inside of the space surrounded by the second rib 26, the first rib 24, and the base wall portion 22, that is, a surface that faces the first rib 24 side. be. The outer surface 26c of the second rib is a surface of the second rib 26 opposite to the inner side surface 26b of the second rib, that is, a surface facing the side opposite to the first rib 24.

第２リブ内側面２６ｂは、当該第２リブ内側面２６ｂの基壁部２２側の端部において基壁部内側面２２ａと繋がっている。第２リブ内側面２６ｂは、基壁部２２から第２リブ先端２６ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第１リブ２４と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜している。 The inner side surface 26b of the second rib is connected to the inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion at the end of the inner side surface 26b of the second rib on the base wall portion 22 side. The inner side surface 26b of the second rib is gradually inclined toward the outside opposite to the first rib 24 from the base wall portion 22 toward the tip 26a of the second rib.

第２リブ外側面２６ｃは、当該第２リブ外側面２６ｃの基壁部２２側の端部において基壁部外側面２２ｂと繋がっている。第２リブ外側面２６ｃのうち第２リブ２６の基壁部２２からの突出方向における当該第２リブ２６の中央の位置２７よりも基壁部２２から離れた位置には、ナックル１０が後述のように下型１０１と上型１０２との間で鍛造されたときに下型１０１のうち第２リブ２６の外側で第２リブ外側面２６ｃを成形する第２下型外側部１１２と上型１０２のうち第２リブ２６の外側に位置する第２上型外側部１１６との間の境界に形成される第２分割ライン１２２が設けられている。この第２分割ライン１２２は、本実施形態では、第２リブ外側面２６ｃのうち第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けられている。そして、本実施形態では、第２リブ外側面２６ｃのうち基壁部２２側の端部から第２分割ライン１２２が設けられた第２リブ先端２６ａの位置までの当該第２リブ外側面２６ｃ全体が、第２分割ライン１２２に近づくにつれて徐々に第１リブ２４と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜している。この第２リブ外側面２６ｃの傾斜角度は、前記第２リブ内側面２６ｂの傾斜角度と実質的に同じである。すなわち、第２リブ外側面２６ｃは、前記第２リブ外側面２６ｃと略平行に延びている。 The outer surface 26c of the second rib is connected to the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion at the end portion of the outer surface 26c of the second rib on the base wall portion 22 side. A knuckle 10 will be described later at a position of the outer surface 26c of the second rib 26 that is farther from the base wall portion 22 than the central position 27 of the second rib 26 in the projecting direction from the base wall portion 22 of the second rib 26. When forged between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 as described above, the second lower mold outer portion 112 and the upper mold 102 form the second rib outer surface 26c on the outer side of the second rib 26 of the lower mold 101. A second dividing line 122 formed at a boundary between the second rib 26 and the second upper die outer portion 116 located outside the second rib 26 is provided. In the present embodiment, the second dividing line 122 is provided at the position of the tip 26a of the second rib on the outer surface 26c of the second rib. Then, in the present embodiment, the entire outer surface 26c of the second rib from the end of the outer surface 26c of the second rib on the side of the base wall 22 to the position of the tip 26a of the second rib provided with the second dividing line 122. However, as it approaches the second dividing line 122, it gradually inclines toward the outside opposite to the first rib 24. The inclination angle of the outer surface 26c of the second rib is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the inner surface 26b of the second rib. That is, the second rib outer surface 26c extends substantially parallel to the second rib outer surface 26c.

次に、図５及び図６を参照して、本実施形態によるナックル１０の製造方法について説明する。 Next, a method for manufacturing the knuckle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

本実施形態による製造方法は、型鍛造によりナックル１０を製造するものである。具体的に、本実施形態による製造方法は、金型１００を構成する下型１０１と上型１０２との間で素材２００を挟み込むことによりその素材２００をナックル１０の形状に鍛造する鍛造工程と、鍛造後の素材２００から下型１０１及び上型１０２を分離させる離型工程と、を含む。図５は、鍛造工程前の状態、すなわち下型１０１と上型１０２とを型閉めする前の状態における下型１０１、上型１０２及び素材２００を示している。図６は、鍛造工程後の状態、すなわち下型１０１と上型１０２とを型閉めした後の状態における下型１０１、上型１０２及び素材２００を示している。 The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment is to manufacture the knuckle 10 by mold forging. Specifically, the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes a forging step of forging the material 200 into the shape of the knuckle 10 by sandwiching the material 200 between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 constituting the mold 100. It includes a mold removal step of separating the lower die 101 and the upper die 102 from the forged material 200. FIG. 5 shows the lower mold 101, the upper mold 102, and the material 200 in the state before the forging process, that is, the state before the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are closed. FIG. 6 shows the lower mold 101, the upper mold 102, and the material 200 in the state after the forging process, that is, the state after the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are closed.

下型１０１は、鍛造工程において基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１リブ外側面２４ｃ及び第２リブ外側面２６ｃにかけての領域を成形するものである。下型１０１は、鍛造工程において基壁部外側面２２ｂを成形する下型基部１０９と、鍛造工程において第１リブ２４の外側で第１リブ外側面２４ｃを成形する第１下型外側部１１０と、鍛造工程において第２リブ２６の外側で第２リブ外側面２６ｃを成形する第２下型外側部１１２と、を有する。 The lower mold 101 forms a region from the base wall portion outer surface 22b to the first rib outer surface 24c and the second rib outer surface 26c in the forging step. The lower mold 101 includes a lower mold base portion 109 that forms the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion in the forging process, and a first lower mold outer portion 110 that forms the outer surface 24c of the first rib outside the first rib 24 in the forging process. A second lower mold outer portion 112 for forming the second rib outer surface 26c on the outer side of the second rib 26 in the forging step.

下型基部１０９と第１下型外側部１１０と第２下型外側部１１２は、凹状の成形空間１０４を囲んで画定している。成形空間１０４には、ナックル１０を鍛造するためのアルミニウム合金からなる素材２００が入れられる。 The lower mold base 109, the first lower mold outer portion 110, and the second lower mold outer portion 112 are defined by surrounding the concave molding space 104. A material 200 made of an aluminum alloy for forging the knuckle 10 is put in the molding space 104.

下型基部１０９は、成形空間１０４に面し、鍛造工程において基壁部外側面２２ｂを成形する面である下型基部内側面１０９ａを有する。下型基部内側面１０９ａは、凹状の成形空間１０４の底面に相当する。下型基部内側面１０９ａは、基壁部外側面２２ｂに対応した形状を有する。 The lower mold base 109 faces the molding space 104 and has an inner side surface 109a of the lower mold base, which is a surface for molding the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion in the forging step. The inner side surface 109a of the lower mold base corresponds to the bottom surface of the concave molding space 104. The lower mold base inner side surface 109a has a shape corresponding to the base wall outer surface 22b.

第１下型外側部１１０は、成形空間１０４に面し、鍛造工程において第１リブ外側面２４ｃを成形する面である第１下型内側面１１０ａを有する。第１下型内側面１１０ａは、下型基部内側面１０９ａの幅方向の一端から立ち上がる面である。第１下型内側面１１０ａは、第１リブ外側面２４ｃに対応した形状を有する。 The first lower mold outer side portion 110 faces the molding space 104 and has a first lower mold inner side surface 110a which is a surface for molding the first rib outer surface 24c in the forging step. The first lower mold inner side surface 110a is a surface that rises from one end in the width direction of the lower mold base inner side surface 109a. The inner surface 110a of the first lower mold has a shape corresponding to the outer surface 24c of the first rib.

第２下型外側部１１２は、成形空間１０４に面し、鍛造工程において第２リブ外側面２６ｃを成形する面である第２下型内側面１１２ａを有する。第２下型内側面１１２ａは、下型基部内側面１０９ａの幅方向の前記一端と反対側の他端から立ち上がる面である。第２下型内側面１１２ａは、第２リブ外側面２６ｃに対応した形状を有する。 The second lower mold outer side portion 112 faces the molding space 104 and has a second lower mold inner side surface 112a which is a surface for molding the second rib outer surface 26c in the forging step. The second lower mold inner side surface 112a is a surface that rises from the other end on the side opposite to the one end in the width direction of the lower mold base inner side surface 109a. The second lower mold inner surface 112a has a shape corresponding to the second rib outer surface 26c.

第１下型内側面１１０ａと第２下型内側面１１２ａは、互いに対向しており、下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に互いに遠ざかるように傾斜している。この第１及び第２下型内側面１１０ａ，１１２ａの傾斜は、鍛造後の素材２００を当該第１下型内側面１１０ａと当該第２下型内側面１１２ａとの間から抜き出せるようにするための抜き勾配を確保するためのものである。すなわち、第１下型内側面１１０ａには下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に第２下型内側面１１２ａと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜する抜き勾配α１（図６参照）が設けられているとともに、第２下型内側面１１２ａには下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に第１下型内側面１１０ａと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜する抜き勾配α２（図６参照）が設けられている。 The first lower mold inner side surface 110a and the second lower mold inner side surface 112a face each other, and are inclined so as to gradually move away from each other as the distance from the lower mold base inner side surface 109a increases. The inclination of the first and second lower mold inner side surfaces 110a and 112a is for allowing the forged material 200 to be extracted from between the first lower mold inner side surface 110a and the second lower mold inner side surface 112a. This is to secure the draft of. That is, the first lower mold inner side surface 110a is provided with a draft α1 (see FIG. 6) that gradually inclines toward the outside opposite to the second lower mold inner side surface 112a as the distance from the lower mold base inner side surface 109a increases. At the same time, the second lower mold inner side surface 112a has a draft α2 (see FIG. 6) that gradually inclines toward the outside opposite to the first lower mold inner side surface 110a as the distance from the lower mold base inner side surface 109a increases. It is provided.

上型１０２は、本実施形態では、鍛造工程において基壁部内側面２２ａから第１リブ内側面２４ｂ及び第２リブ内側面２６ｂにかけての領域と第１リブ先端２４ａと第２リブ先端２６ａとを成形するように構成されている。上型１０２は、上型基部１０７と、その上型基部１０７から突出する上型内側成形部１０８と、上型内側成形部１０８の幅方向において当該上型内側成形部１０８に対して一方の外側に位置するように上型基部１０７から延出された第１上型外側部１１４と、上型内側成形部１０８の幅方向において当該上型内側成形部１０８に対して第１上型外側部１１４と反対の外側に位置するように上型基部１０７から延出された第２上型外側部１１６と、を有する。 In the present embodiment, the upper mold 102 forms a region from the inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion to the inner side surface 24b of the first rib and the inner side surface 26b of the second rib, the first rib tip 24a, and the second rib tip 26a in the forging process. It is configured to do. The upper mold 102 has an upper mold base 107, an upper mold inner molding portion 108 protruding from the upper mold base 107, and one outer side of the upper mold inner molding portion 108 in the width direction of the upper mold inner molding portion 108. The first upper mold outer portion 114 extending from the upper mold base 107 so as to be located at, and the first upper mold outer portion 114 with respect to the upper mold inner molding portion 108 in the width direction of the upper mold inner molding portion 108. It has a second upper mold outer portion 116 extending from the upper mold base 107 so as to be located on the outer side opposite to the above.

上型内側成形部１０８は、鍛造工程において、第１下型外側部１１０と第２下型外側部１１２との間、換言すれば下型１０１の前記成形空間１０４内に挿入されて基壁部内側面２２ａから第１リブ内側面２４ｂ及び第２リブ内側面２６ｂにかけての領域を成形するものである。上型内側成形部１０８は、先端面１０８ａと、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂと、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃと、を有する。 In the forging process, the upper mold inner molding portion 108 is inserted between the first lower mold outer portion 110 and the second lower mold outer portion 112, in other words, into the molding space 104 of the lower mold 101 and inside the base wall portion. The region from the side surface 22a to the inner side surface 24b of the first rib and the inner side surface 26b of the second rib is formed. The upper mold inner molding portion 108 has a tip surface 108a, a first molding portion outer surface 108b, and a second molding portion outer surface 108c.

先端面１０８ａは、上型内側成形部１０８の突出方向の先端に位置し、鍛造工程において基壁部内側面２２ａを成形する面である。この先端面１０８ａは、基壁部内側面２２ａに対応した形状を有する。 The tip surface 108a is located at the tip of the upper mold inner molding portion 108 in the protruding direction, and is a surface for molding the inner side surface 22a of the base wall portion in the forging step. The tip surface 108a has a shape corresponding to the inner surface surface 22a of the base wall portion.

第１成形部外側面１０８ｂは、上型内側成形部１０８の幅方向における一方の外側を向く面であり、鍛造工程において第１リブ内側面２４ｂを成形する面である。第１成形部外側面１０８ｂは、第１リブ内側面２４ｂに対応した形状を有する。第１成形部外側面１０８ｂは、上型内側成形部１０８の幅方向における先端面１０８ａの一方の端部から上型基部１０７側へ延びている。 The outer surface 108b of the first molded portion is a surface facing one outside in the width direction of the upper mold inner molded portion 108, and is a surface for forming the inner side surface 24b of the first rib in the forging step. The outer surface 108b of the first molded portion has a shape corresponding to the inner surface 24b of the first rib. The outer surface 108b of the first molded portion extends from one end of the tip surface 108a in the width direction of the inner molded portion 108 of the upper mold toward the base portion 107 of the upper mold.

第２成形部外側面１０８ｃは、上型内側成形部１０８の第１成形部外側面１０８ｂと反対側の面であり、鍛造工程において第２リブ内側面２６ｂを成形する面である。第２成形部外側面１０８ｃは、第２リブ内側面２６ｂに対応した形状を有する。第２成形部外側面１０８ｃは、第２リブ内側面２６ｂに対応した形状を有する。第２成形部外側面１０８ｃは、上型内側成形部１０８の幅方向における先端面１０８ａの他方の端部から上型基部１０７側へ延びている。 The outer surface 108c of the second molded portion is a surface of the upper mold inner molded portion 108 opposite to the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion, and is a surface for forming the inner side surface 26b of the second rib in the forging step. The outer surface 108c of the second molded portion has a shape corresponding to the inner surface 26b of the second rib. The outer surface 108c of the second molded portion has a shape corresponding to the inner surface 26b of the second rib. The outer surface 108c of the second molded portion extends from the other end of the tip surface 108a in the width direction of the upper mold inner molded portion 108 toward the upper mold base portion 107.

第１成形部外側面１０８ｂと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃは、先端面１０８ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に互いに近づくように傾斜している。換言すれば、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃは、それぞれ、先端面１０８ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に上型内側成形部１０８の幅方向内側へ向かうように傾斜している。この第１及び第２成形部外側面１０８ｂ，１０８ｃの傾斜は、上型内側成形部１０８を鍛造後の素材２００の第１リブ２４と第２リブ２６との間から抜き出せるようにするための抜き勾配を確保するためのものである。すなわち、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂには先端面１０８ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第２成形部外側面１０８ｃへ近づくように傾斜する抜き勾配β１（図６参照）が設けられているとともに、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃには先端面１０８ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第１成形部外側面１０８ｂへ近づくように傾斜する抜き勾配β２（図６参照）が設けられている。 The outer surface 108b of the first molded portion and the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion are inclined so as to gradually approach each other toward the tip surface 108a side. In other words, the outer surface 108b of the first molding portion and the outer surface 108c of the second molding portion are gradually inclined inward in the width direction of the upper mold inner molding portion 108 toward the tip surface 108a side, respectively. .. The inclination of the outer surfaces 108b and 108c of the first and second molded portions is for allowing the upper mold inner molded portion 108 to be pulled out from between the first rib 24 and the second rib 26 of the material 200 after forging. This is to secure a draft. That is, the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion is provided with a draft β1 (see FIG. 6) that gradually inclines toward the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion toward the tip surface 108a, and the second The outer surface 108c of the molded portion is provided with a draft β2 (see FIG. 6) that gradually inclines toward the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion toward the tip surface 108a.

第１上型外側部１１４は、下型１０１と上型１０２との型閉め方向において第１下型外側部１１０と対向し、鍛造工程において下型１０１と上型１０２とが型閉めされた状態で第１リブ２４の外側において第１下型外側部１１０と当接する部分である。第２上型外側部１１６は、下型１０１と上型１０２との型閉め方向において第２下型外側部１１２と対向し、鍛造工程において下型１０１と上型１０２とが型閉めされた状態で第２リブ２６の外側において第２下型外側部１１２と当接する部分である。 The first upper mold outer portion 114 faces the first lower mold outer portion 110 in the mold closing direction of the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102, and the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are mold closed in the forging process. This is a portion of the outer side of the first rib 24 that comes into contact with the outer portion 110 of the first lower die. The second upper mold outer portion 116 faces the second lower mold outer portion 112 in the mold closing direction of the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102, and the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are mold closed in the forging process. It is a portion that comes into contact with the second lower die outer portion 112 on the outer side of the second rib 26.

金型１００の分割ライン、すなわち下型１０１と上型１０２との間の分割ラインは、第１下型外側部１１０と第１上型外側部１１４との間及び第２下型外側部１１２と第２上型外側部１１６との間に設けられている。具体的には、下型１０１と上型１０２との間の分割ラインは、下型１０１と上型１０２とが型閉めされた状態での第１下型外側部１１０と第１上型外側部１１４との間の境界に相当する第１分割ライン１２１と、同状態での第２下型外側部１１２と第２上型外側部１１６との間の境界に相当する第２分割ライン１２２とからなる。 The dividing line of the mold 100, that is, the dividing line between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 is between the first lower mold outer portion 110 and the first upper mold outer portion 114 and the second lower mold outer portion 112. It is provided between the second upper mold outer portion 116. Specifically, the dividing line between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 is the first lower mold outer portion 110 and the first upper mold outer portion in a state where the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are closed. From the first dividing line 121 corresponding to the boundary between 114 and the second dividing line 122 corresponding to the boundary between the second lower die outer portion 112 and the second upper die outer portion 116 in the same state. Become.

前記鍛造工程は、以上のような下型１０１及び上型１０２を用いて行われる。この鍛造工程では、まず、図５に示すように下型１０１の成形空間１０４内に素材２００を入れる。この素材２００は、ナックル１０の材料であるアルミニウム合金からなるビレットである。 The forging step is performed using the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 as described above. In this forging step, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the material 200 is put into the molding space 104 of the lower mold 101. The material 200 is a billet made of an aluminum alloy which is a material of the knuckle 10.

その後、図６に示すように、下型１０１と上型１０２とを型閉めする。具体的には、下型１０１の成形空間１０４内に上型内側成形部１０８が挿入されるとともに、第１上型外側部１１４が第１下型外側部１１０に当接し、第２上型外側部１１６が第２下型外側部１１２に当接するように下型１０１と上型１０２とを型閉めする。これにより、下型１０１と上型１０２との間で素材２００が挟み込まれてナックル１０の形状に鍛造される。具体的には、上型内側成形部１０８の先端面１０８ａと下型基部内側面１０９ａとの間で基壁部２２が鍛造され、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂと第１下型内側面１１０ａとの間で第１リブ２４が鍛造され、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃと第２下型内側面１１２ａとの間で第２リブ２６が鍛造される。 After that, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are closed. Specifically, the upper mold inner molding portion 108 is inserted into the molding space 104 of the lower mold 101, and the first upper mold outer portion 114 abuts on the first lower mold outer portion 110, and the second upper mold outer side The lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are molded so that the portion 116 abuts on the outer portion 112 of the second lower mold. As a result, the material 200 is sandwiched between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 and forged into the shape of the knuckle 10. Specifically, the base wall portion 22 is forged between the tip surface 108a of the upper mold inner molding portion 108 and the lower mold base inner side surface 109a, and the first molding portion outer surface 108b and the first lower mold inner side surface 110a are formed. The first rib 24 is forged between the two ribs 24, and the second rib 26 is forged between the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion and the inner surface 112a of the second lower mold.

鍛造後の素材２００には、下型１０１と上型１０２とが型閉めされた状態での第１下型外側部１１０と第１上型外側部１１４との間の境界に相当する第１分割ライン１２１、及び、下型１０１と上型１０２とが型閉めされた状態での第２下型外側部１１２と第２上型外側部１１６との間の境界に相当する第２分割ライン１２２が形成される。具体的には、鍛造後の素材２００の第１リブ外側面２４ｃのうち第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に第１分割ライン１２１が形成されるとともに、鍛造後の素材２００の第２リブ外側面２６ｃのうち第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に第２分割ライン１２２が形成される。 In the material 200 after forging, the first division corresponding to the boundary between the outer portion 110 of the first lower mold and the outer portion 114 of the first upper mold in a state where the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are closed. The line 121 and the second dividing line 122 corresponding to the boundary between the second lower mold outer portion 112 and the second upper mold outer portion 116 in a state where the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are closed are formed. It is formed. Specifically, the first dividing line 121 is formed at the position of the first rib tip 24a of the first rib outer surface 24c of the forged material 200, and the second rib outer surface 26c of the forged material 200 is formed. A second dividing line 122 is formed at the position of the tip 26a of the second rib.

そして、鍛造工程の後、離型工程を行う。この離型工程では、下型１０１と上型１０２とを鍛造後の素材２００から分離させる。 Then, after the forging process, a mold release process is performed. In this mold release step, the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 are separated from the forged material 200.

具体的には、下型１０１を鍛造後の素材２００から遠ざかる方向（型閉め方向と反対方向）に移動させて、下型１０１の成形空間１０４内、すなわち第１下型内側面１１０ａと第２下型内側面１１２ａとの間から鍛造後の素材２００を抜き出す。このとき、第１下型内側面１１０ａに抜き勾配α１が設けられているとともに第２下型内側面１１２ａに抜き勾配α２が設けられていることから、鍛造後の素材２００を第１下型内側面１１０ａと第２下型内側面１１２ａとの間から抜き出せる。 Specifically, the lower mold 101 is moved away from the forged material 200 (in the direction opposite to the mold closing direction), and is inside the molding space 104 of the lower mold 101, that is, the first lower mold inner side surfaces 110a and the second. The forged material 200 is extracted from between the lower mold inner surface 112a. At this time, since the draft α1 is provided on the inner surface 110a of the first lower mold and the draft α2 is provided on the inner surface 112a of the second lower mold, the material 200 after forging is provided in the first lower mold. It can be extracted from between the side surface 110a and the inner side surface 112a of the second lower mold.

また、上型１０２を鍛造後の素材２００から遠ざかる方向（型閉め方向と反対方向）に移動させ、上型内側成形部１０８を鍛造後の素材２００の内側、すなわち第１リブ内側面２４ｂと第２リブ内側面２６ｂとの間から抜き出す。このとき、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂに抜き勾配β１が設けられているとともに第２成形部外側面１０８ｃに抜き勾配β２が設けられていることから、上型内側成形部１０８を第１リブ内側面２４ｂと第２リブ内側面２６ｂとの間から抜き出せる。 Further, the upper mold 102 is moved away from the forged material 200 (direction opposite to the mold closing direction), and the upper mold inner molding portion 108 is moved to the inside of the forged material 200, that is, the first rib inner side surface 24b and the first rib. 2 Pull out from between the rib inner surface 26b. At this time, since the draft β1 is provided on the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion and the draft β2 is provided on the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion, the upper mold inner molded portion 108 is provided in the first rib. It can be extracted from between the side surface 24b and the inner side surface 26b of the second rib.

そして、離型工程の後、鍛造後の素材２００からのバリの除去及び当該鍛造後の素材２００の熱処理を行い、ナックル１０が得られる。 Then, after the mold release step, burrs are removed from the forged material 200 and the forged material 200 is heat-treated to obtain a knuckle 10.

本実施形態によるナックル１０の製造方法は、以上のようにして行われる。 The method for manufacturing the knuckle 10 according to the present embodiment is performed as described above.

本実施形態では、従来であればナックル１０を鍛造により製造する場合には第１下型外側部１１０と第１上型外側部１１４との間の第１分割ライン１２１及び第２下型外側部１１２と第２上型外側部１１６との間の第２分割ライン１２２を基壁部２２寄りの位置に設けるのが一般的であるところ、あえて第１分割ライン１２１を第１リブ２４の基壁部２２からの突出方向における中央の位置２５よりも基壁部２２から離れた位置、具体的には第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けるとともに、第２分割ライン１２２を第２リブ２６の基壁部２２からの突出方向における中央の位置２７よりも基壁部２２から離れた位置、具体的には第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けることで、鍛造後の素材２００から下型１０１を分離できるようにするために第１下型内側面１１０ａ及び第２下型内側面１１２ａに設けられる抜き勾配α１，α２を利用して第１リブ２４が基壁部２２から最も離れた第１リブ先端２４ａまで大きい肉厚を有し且つ第２リブ２６が基壁部２２から最も離れた第２リブ先端２６ａまで大きい肉厚を有するように第１及び第２リブ２４，２６を成形することができる。その結果、ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性が高いナックル１０を製造することができる。 In the present embodiment, conventionally, when the knuckle 10 is manufactured by forging, the first dividing line 121 and the second lower mold outer portion between the first lower mold outer portion 110 and the first upper mold outer portion 114 Where it is common to provide the second dividing line 122 between the 112 and the second upper die outer portion 116 at a position closer to the base wall portion 22, the first dividing line 121 is intentionally provided on the base wall of the first rib 24. The second dividing line 122 is provided at a position farther from the base wall portion 22 than the central position 25 in the protruding direction from the portion 22, specifically, at the position of the first rib tip 24a, and the second dividing line 122 is provided at the base wall of the second rib 26. The lower mold 101 can be separated from the forged material 200 by providing the lower mold 101 at a position farther from the base wall portion 22 than the central position 27 in the protruding direction from the portion 22, specifically, at the position of the second rib tip 26a. The first rib tip 24a is the farthest from the base wall portion 22 by utilizing the draft gradients α1 and α2 provided on the inner side surface 110a of the first lower mold and the inner side surface 112a of the second lower mold. The first and second ribs 24 and 26 can be formed so that the second rib 26 has a large wall thickness up to the tip 26a of the second rib farthest from the base wall portion 22. As a result, the knuckle 10 having a high camber rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16 can be manufactured.

具体的に、従来、基壁部２２から突出した第１及び第２リブ２４，２６を有するナックル１０を鍛造する場合には、一般的に、第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が第１及び第２リブ２４，２６の突出方向における中央の位置２５，２７よりも基壁部２２寄りの位置に設けられ、極端な場合には図８に示す比較例のように下型１０１と上型１０２との間の第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が基壁部２２の範囲内の位置に設けられる。この場合、第１上型外側部１１４が上型基部１０７から下型１０１側へ向かって第１リブ外側面２４ｃ全体をカバーするように延び、その分、第１下型外側部１１０の下型基部１０９からの突出量は僅かになるとともに、第２上型外側部１１６が上型基部１０７から下型１０１側へ向かって第２リブ外側面２６ｃ全体をカバーするように延び、その分、第２下型外側部１１２の下型基部１０９からの突出量は僅かになる。 Specifically, conventionally, when the knuckle 10 having the first and second ribs 24 and 26 protruding from the base wall portion 22 is forged, the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are generally the first. And the second ribs 24 and 26 are provided at positions closer to the base wall portion 22 than the central positions 25 and 27 in the protruding direction, and in an extreme case, the lower die 101 and the upper die as shown in the comparative example shown in FIG. The first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 between the 102 and the base wall portion 22 are provided at positions within the range of the base wall portion 22. In this case, the outer die 114 of the first upper die extends from the base 107 of the upper die toward the lower die 101 so as to cover the entire outer surface 24c of the first rib, and the lower die of the outer die 110 of the first lower die is correspondingly increased. The amount of protrusion from the base 109 is small, and the second upper mold outer portion 116 extends from the upper mold base 107 toward the lower mold 101 side so as to cover the entire second rib outer surface 26c. 2 The amount of protrusion from the lower mold base 109 of the lower mold outer portion 112 is small.

そして、この場合、鍛造工程において第１リブ２４全体が第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａと第１成形部外側面１０８ｂとの間で鍛造されることになるため、離型工程において第１リブ２４を第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａと第１成形部外側面１０８ｂとの間から抜き出せるようにするために、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂに前記抜き勾配β１が設けられるとともに第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａに第１分割ライン１２１側へ向かうにつれて第１成形部外側面１０８ｂから遠ざかるように傾斜する抜き勾配γ１が設けられる。 In this case, since the entire first rib 24 is forged between the inner side surface 114a of the first upper mold outer portion 114 and the outer surface 108b of the first molding portion in the forging step, the first rib 24 is forged in the mold release step. The draft gradient β1 is provided on the outer surface 108b of the first forming portion so that the 1 rib 24 can be extracted from between the inner side surface 114a of the outer portion 114 of the first upper mold and the outer surface 108b of the first forming portion. At the same time, a draft γ1 is provided on the inner side surface 114a of the outer side portion 114 of the first upper mold so as to move away from the outer side surface 108b of the first forming portion toward the first dividing line 121 side.

また、この場合、鍛造工程において第２リブ２６全体が第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃとの間で鍛造されることになるため、離型工程において第２リブ２６を第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃとの間から抜き出せるようにするために、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃに前記抜き勾配β２が設けられるとともに第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａに第２分割ライン１２２側へ向かうにつれて第２成形部外側面１０８ｃから遠ざかるように傾斜する抜き勾配γ２が設けられる。 Further, in this case, since the entire second rib 26 is forged between the inner side surface 116a of the second upper mold outer portion 116 and the outer surface 108c of the second molding portion in the forging step, the second rib 26 is forged in the mold release step. The draft gradient β2 is provided on the outer surface 108c of the second molding portion so that the 2 ribs 26 can be extracted from between the inner side surface 116a of the outer surface 116 of the second upper mold and the outer surface 108c of the second molding portion. At the same time, the inner side surface 116a of the second upper mold outer portion 116 is provided with a draft γ2 that inclines so as to move away from the outer surface 108c of the second forming portion toward the second dividing line 122 side.

以上のように、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂに前記抜き勾配β１が設けられるとともに第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａに前記抜き勾配γ１が設けられる結果、鍛造工程において前記第１成形部外側面１０８ｂと前記内側面１１４ａとの間で鍛造される第１リブ２４の全体が第１リブ先端２４ａへ向かうにつれて徐々に肉厚が減少する形状とならざるを得ず、また、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃに前記抜き勾配β２が設けられるとともに第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａに前記抜き勾配γ２が設けられる結果、鍛造工程において前記第２成形部外側面１０８ｃと前記内側面１１６ａとの間で鍛造される第２リブ２６の全体が第２リブ先端２６ａへ向かうにつれて徐々に肉厚が減少する形状とならざるを得ない。ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性を高めるためには第１リブ２４及び第２リブ２６のうち基壁部２２からより離れた部位の肉厚を大きくすることが有効であるが、前記のように第１リブ２４全体の肉厚が第１リブ先端２４ａへ向かうにつれて徐々に減少するとともに第２リブ２６全体の肉厚が第２リブ先端２６ａへ向かうにつれて徐々に減少していると、第１及び第２リブ２４，２６のうち基壁部２２から離れた部位の肉厚を大きくすることは困難であり、その結果、ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性を高めることは困難になる。 As described above, as a result of the draft gradient β1 being provided on the outer surface 108b of the first molding portion and the draft gradient γ1 being provided on the inner side surface 114a of the outer surface portion 114 of the first upper mold, the first molding portion is provided in the forging step. The entire first rib 24 forged between the outer side surface 108b and the inner side surface 114a must have a shape in which the wall thickness gradually decreases toward the first rib tip 24a, and the second molding As a result of the draft β2 being provided on the outer surface 108c of the portion and the draft γ2 being provided on the inner surface 116a of the outer surface 116a of the second upper mold, the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion and the inner surface 116a are provided in the forging step. The entire thickness of the second rib 26 forged between the two ribs 26 and the second rib 26 has to be gradually reduced in thickness toward the tip 26a of the second rib. In order to increase the camber rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16, it is effective to increase the wall thickness of the portion of the first rib 24 and the second rib 26 that is farther from the base wall portion 22, but as described above, the first rib. When the wall thickness of the entire rib 24 gradually decreases toward the first rib tip 24a and the wall thickness of the entire second rib 26 gradually decreases toward the second rib tip 26a, the first and second ribs 24 It is difficult to increase the wall thickness of the ribs 24 and 26 that are separated from the base wall portion 22, and as a result, it is difficult to increase the camber rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16.

これに対し、本実施形態では、第１下型外側部１１０と第１上型外側部１１４との間の第１分割ライン１２１が第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けられるとともに、第２下型外側部１１２と第２上型外側部１１６との間の第２分割ライン１２２が第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けられることから、鍛造工程において、第１リブ２４の基壁部２２側の端部から第１リブ先端２４ａに亘る第１リブ２４全体が第１下型内側面１１０ａと第１成形部外側面１０８ｂとの間で成形されるとともに、第２リブ２６の基壁部２２側の端部から第２リブ先端２６ａに亘る第２リブ２６全体が第２下型内側面１１２ａと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃとの間で成形される。 On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first dividing line 121 between the first lower die outer portion 110 and the first upper die outer portion 114 is provided at the position of the first rib tip 24a, and the second lower die. Since the second dividing line 122 between the outer portion 112 and the second upper mold outer portion 116 is provided at the position of the second rib tip 26a, the end of the first rib 24 on the base wall portion 22 side in the forging process. The entire first rib 24 extending from the portion to the tip end 24a of the first rib is formed between the inner side surface 110a of the first lower mold and the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion, and is formed on the base wall portion 22 side of the second rib 26. The entire second rib 26 extending from the end portion to the tip end 26a of the second rib is formed between the inner side surface 112a of the second lower mold and the outer surface 108c of the second molding portion.

そして、離型工程において鍛造後の素材２００の第１リブ２４と第２リブ２６との間から上型内側成形部１０８を抜き出せるようにするため、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂには先端面１０８ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第２成形部外側面１０８ｃへ近づくように傾斜する抜き勾配β１が設けられるとともに、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃには先端面１０８ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第１成形部外側面１０８ｂへ近づくように傾斜する抜き勾配β２が設けられ、その結果、鍛造工程において第１成形部外側面１０８ｂによって成形される第１リブ内側面２４ｂ及び第２成形部外側面１０８ｃによって成形される第２リブ内側面２６ｂは、第１及び第２リブ先端２４ａ，２６ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に第１リブ２４と第２リブ２６の両外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面にそれぞれ成形される。そして、離型工程において鍛造後の素材２００を第１下型内側面１１０ａと第２下型内側面１１２ａとの間から抜き出せるようにするため、第１下型内側面１１０ａには下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に第２下型内側面１１２ａと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜する抜き勾配α１が設けられるとともに、第２下型内側面１１２ａには下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に第１下型内側面１１０ａと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜する抜き勾配α２が設けられ、その結果、鍛造工程において第１下型内側面１１０ａによって成形される第１リブ外側面２４ｃ全体が第１リブ内側面２４ｂと同様に第１リブ先端２４ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面に成形されるとともに、鍛造工程において第２下型内側面１１２ａによって成形される第２リブ外側面２６ｃ全体が第２リブ内側面２６ｂと同様に第２リブ先端２６ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に外側へ向かうように傾斜する斜面に成形される。このため、本実施形態では、第１リブ２４を基壁部２２から最も離れた第１リブ先端２４ａの位置まで大きい肉厚に成形できるとともに、第２リブ２６を基壁部２２から最も離れた第２リブ先端２６ａの位置まで大きい肉厚に成形でき、ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性を高めることができる。 Then, in order to allow the upper mold inner molding portion 108 to be extracted from between the first rib 24 and the second rib 26 of the forged material 200 in the mold release step, the tip surface is on the outer surface 108b of the first molding portion. A draft β1 that gradually inclines toward the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion is provided toward the 108a side, and the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion is gradually inclined toward the tip surface 108a side of the first molded portion. A draft β2 that is inclined so as to approach the outer side surface 108b is provided, and as a result, it is formed by the inner side surface 24b of the first rib and the outer surface 108c of the second forming portion that are formed by the outer surface 108b of the first forming portion in the forging step. The inner side surface 26b of the second rib is formed into a slope that gradually inclines toward both outer sides of the first rib 24 and the second rib 26 toward the ends 24a and 26a of the first and second ribs. Then, in order to allow the forged material 200 to be extracted from between the first lower mold inner side surface 110a and the second lower mold inner side surface 112a in the mold release step, the lower mold base portion is provided on the first lower mold inner side surface 110a. A draft α1 that gradually inclines toward the outside opposite to the second lower mold inner side surface 112a is provided as the distance from the inner side surface 109a increases, and the second lower mold inner side surface 112a separates from the lower mold base inner side surface 109a. As a result, a draft α2 that gradually inclines toward the outside opposite to the inner surface 110a of the first lower mold is provided, and as a result, the outer surface 24c of the first rib formed by the inner surface 110a of the first lower mold in the forging process. Similar to the inner surface 24b of the first rib, the whole is formed into a slope that gradually inclines outward toward the tip 24a of the first rib, and is formed by the inner surface 112a of the second lower mold in the forging process. The entire outer surface 26c of the second rib is formed into a slope that gradually slopes outward toward the tip 26a of the second rib, similarly to the inner surface 26b of the second rib. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first rib 24 can be formed to a large wall thickness up to the position of the first rib tip 24a farthest from the base wall portion 22, and the second rib 26 is farthest from the base wall portion 22. It is possible to form a large wall thickness up to the position of the tip 26a of the second rib, and it is possible to increase the camber rigidity of the upper portion 16 of the knuckle.

次に、基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２までの距離とナックル１０のキャンバー剛性及びキャスター剛性との関係を調べたシミュレーションについて説明する。 Next, a simulation in which the relationship between the distance from the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion to the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 and the camber rigidity and caster rigidity of the knuckle 10 will be described.

このシミュレーションでは、第１及び第２リブ２４，２６の前記突出方向、詳しくは基壁部外側面２２ｂに対して垂直な方向において、基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２までの距離を０ｍｍ、１５ｍｍ、３０ｍｍ、４５ｍｍ、６０ｍｍのそれぞれに設定した場合でのナックル上部１６の図４と同様の断面におけるＸ軸周りの断面２次モーメントとＹ軸周りの断面２次モーメントとを求めた。 In this simulation, the first and second dividing lines 121, from the base wall outer surface 22b in the protruding direction of the first and second ribs 24, 26, specifically in the direction perpendicular to the base wall outer surface 22b, When the distance to 122 is set to 0 mm, 15 mm, 30 mm, 45 mm, and 60 mm, respectively, the moment of inertia of area around the X axis and the moment of inertia of area around the Y axis in the same cross section as in FIG. I asked.

前記Ｘ軸は、図４と同様の断面において基壁部外側面２２ｂに対して平行に延びる中立軸であり、当該Ｘ軸周りの断面２次モーメントはナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性（車両の幅方向についてのナックル上部１６の曲げ剛性）の指標値である。また、前記Ｙ軸は、図４と同様の断面において基壁部外側面２２ｂに対して垂直に延びる中立軸であり、当該Ｙ軸周りの断面２次モーメントは、ナックル上部１６のキャスター剛性（車両の前後方向についてのナックル上部１６の曲げ剛性）の指標値である。 The X-axis is a neutral axis extending parallel to the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion in the same cross-section as in FIG. 4, and the moment of inertia of area around the X-axis is the camber rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16 (in the width direction of the vehicle). It is an index value of the bending rigidity of the knuckle upper part 16). Further, the Y-axis is a neutral axis extending perpendicularly to the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion in the same cross-section as in FIG. 4, and the moment of inertia of area around the Y-axis is the caster rigidity (vehicle) of the knuckle upper portion 16. It is an index value of the bending rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16 in the front-rear direction.

基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２までの距離が０ｍｍである場合は、第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が基壁部外側面２２ｂの位置に設けられた場合に相当する。また、基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２までの距離が６０ｍｍである場合は、第１分割ライン１２１が第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けられるとともに第２分割ライン１２２が第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けられた場合に相当する。図７には、このシミュレーションによって得られた結果が示されている。 When the distance from the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion to the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 is 0 mm, the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are provided at the positions of the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion. Corresponds to the case. When the distance from the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion to the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 is 60 mm, the first dividing line 121 is provided at the position of the first rib tip 24a and the second dividing line. This corresponds to the case where 122 is provided at the position of the tip 26a of the second rib. FIG. 7 shows the results obtained by this simulation.

図７から判るように、基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２までの距離が大きくなるにつれてＸ軸周りの断面２次モーメントが大きくなる。この結果から、第１分割ライン１２１の位置が第１リブ先端２４ａにより近づくとともに第２分割ライン１２２の位置が第２リブ先端２６ａにより近づくほど、ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性が高くなることが判る。なお、このシミュレーションでは、基壁部外側面２２ｂからの距離が最も大きくなる第１及び第２リブ先端２４ａ，２６ａの位置に第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が設けられた場合（前記距離が６０ｍｍの場合）のＸ軸周りの断面２次モーメントは、基壁部外側面２２ｂの位置に第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が設けられた場合（前記距離が０ｍｍの場合）のＸ軸周りの断面２次モーメントから約１１％増加した値になることが判った。 As can be seen from FIG. 7, the moment of inertia of area around the X-axis increases as the distance from the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion to the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 increases. From this result, it can be seen that the camber rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16 increases as the position of the first dividing line 121 approaches the first rib tip 24a and the position of the second dividing line 122 approaches the second rib tip 26a. In this simulation, when the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are provided at the positions of the first and second rib tips 24a and 26a where the distance from the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion is the largest (the distance). The moment of inertia of area around the X axis (when the distance is 60 mm) is X when the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are provided at the positions of the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion (when the distance is 0 mm). It was found that the value increased by about 11% from the moment of inertia of area around the axis.

また、基壁部外側面２２ｂから第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２までの距離が変化したとしても、Ｙ軸周りの断面２次モーメントの変化量は小さく、基壁部２２から最も離れた第１及び第２リブ先端２４ａ，２６ａの位置に第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が設けられた場合（前記距離が６０ｍｍの場合）であっても、その場合のＹ軸周りの断面２次モーメントは、基壁部外側面２２ｂの位置に第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が設けられた場合（前記距離が０ｍｍの場合）のＹ軸周りの断面２次モーメントから僅かに約１％減少した値であり、この基壁部外側面２２ｂの位置に第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２が設けられた場合とほぼ変わらない値となる。従って、第１及び第２リブ２４，２６の突出方向における第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２の位置によってナックル上部１６のキャスター剛性に及ぼされる悪影響はほぼないことが判る。 Further, even if the distances from the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion to the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 change, the amount of change in the secondary moment of the cross section around the Y axis is small and the distance from the base wall portion 22 is the longest. Even when the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are provided at the positions of the first and second rib tips 24a and 26a (when the distance is 60 mm), the cross section 2 around the Y axis in that case. The next moment is only about 1 from the second moment in the cross section around the Y axis when the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are provided at the positions of the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion (when the distance is 0 mm). This is a value reduced by%, which is almost the same as the case where the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 are provided at the positions of the outer surface 22b of the base wall portion. Therefore, it can be seen that the positions of the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 in the protruding directions of the first and second ribs 24 and 26 have almost no adverse effect on the caster rigidity of the knuckle upper portion 16.

（変形例）
本発明による車両用ナックル及びその製造方法は、前記のようなものに必ずしも限定されない。例えば、本発明による車両用ナックルに以下のような構成を採用することが可能であり、また、本発明による車両用ナックルの製造方法に以下のような技術を採用することが可能である。 (Modification example)
The vehicle knuckle according to the present invention and the method for manufacturing the same are not necessarily limited to those described above. For example, the following configuration can be adopted for the vehicle knuckle according to the present invention, and the following technology can be adopted for the method for manufacturing the vehicle knuckle according to the present invention.

例えば、ナックル１０において、基壁部２２から第１リブ先端２４ａまでの距離と基壁部２２から第２リブ先端２６ａまでの距離とは、互いに異なっていてもよい。すなわち、第１リブ２４の基壁部２２からの突出長と第２リブ２６の基壁部２２からの突出長とが互いに異なっていてもよい。この場合、第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けられる第１分割ライン１２１の基壁部２２からの距離と、第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けられる第２分割ライン１２２の基壁部２２からの距離とは、互いに異なる。 For example, in the knuckle 10, the distance from the base wall portion 22 to the first rib tip 24a and the distance from the base wall portion 22 to the second rib tip 26a may be different from each other. That is, the protruding length of the first rib 24 from the base wall portion 22 and the protruding length of the second rib 26 from the base wall portion 22 may be different from each other. In this case, the distance from the base wall portion 22 of the first dividing line 121 provided at the position of the first rib tip 24a and the base wall portion 22 of the second dividing line 122 provided at the position of the second rib tip 26a. Distances are different from each other.

また、第１分割ライン１２１は、必ずしも第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けられていなくてもよく、第２分割ライン１２２は、必ずしも第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けられていなくてもよい。 Further, the first dividing line 121 does not necessarily have to be provided at the position of the first rib tip 24a, and the second dividing line 122 does not necessarily have to be provided at the position of the second rib tip 26a.

具体的には、図９に示す変形例のように、第１分割ライン１２１が第１リブ２４の基壁部２２からの突出方向における当該第１リブ２４の中央の位置２５と第１リブ先端２４ａとの間の位置に設けられるとともに、第２分割ライン１２２が第２リブ２６の基壁部２２からの突出方向における当該第２リブ２６の中央の位置２７と第２リブ先端２６ａとの間の位置に設けられてもよい。この変形例では、鍛造工程において、第１リブ２４のうち第１分割ライン１２１から第１リブ先端２４ａまでの部分が第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａと第１成形部外側面１０８ｂとの間で鍛造されるとともに、第１リブ２４のうち第１分割ライン１２１から基壁部２２側の端部までの部分が第１下型内側面１１０ａと第１成形部外側面１０８ｂとの間で鍛造される。また、この変形例では、鍛造工程において、第２リブ２６のうち第２分割ライン１２２から第２リブ先端２６ａまでの部分が第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃとの間で鍛造されるとともに、第２リブ２６のうち第２分割ライン１２２から基壁部２２側の端部までの部分が第２下型内側面１１２ａと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃとの間で鍛造される。 Specifically, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 9, the first dividing line 121 is the central position 25 of the first rib 24 and the tip of the first rib in the protruding direction from the base wall portion 22 of the first rib 24. The second dividing line 122 is provided at a position between the 24a and the second rib 26 between the central position 27 of the second rib 26 and the tip 26a of the second rib in the projecting direction from the base wall portion 22 of the second rib 26. It may be provided at the position of. In this modification, in the forging process, the portion of the first rib 24 from the first dividing line 121 to the tip 24a of the first rib is the inner surface 114a of the outer portion 114 of the first upper mold and the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion. The portion of the first rib 24 from the first dividing line 121 to the end on the base wall portion 22 side is between the inner surface 110a of the first lower mold and the outer surface 108b of the first forming portion. Forged with. Further, in this modification, in the forging process, the portion of the second rib 26 from the second dividing line 122 to the tip 26a of the second rib is the inner side surface 116a of the second upper mold outer portion 116 and the outer surface of the second molded portion. The portion of the second rib 26 from the second dividing line 122 to the end on the base wall portion 22 side is forged between the second rib 26 and the second lower mold inner side surface 112a and the second molded portion outer surface 108c. Forged between.

従って、この変形例では、離型工程において鍛造後の素材２００の第１リブ２４のうち第１分割ライン１２１から第１リブ先端２４ａまでの部分を第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａと第１成形部外側面１０８ｂとの間から抜き出せるようにするために、第１成形部外側面１０８ｂに前記抜き勾配β１が設けられるとともに第１上型外側部１１４の内側面１１４ａに第１分割ライン１２１側へ向かうにつれて第１成形部外側面１０８ｂから遠ざかるように傾斜する抜き勾配δ１が設けられる。また、離型工程において鍛造後の素材２００の第２リブ２６のうち第２分割ライン１２２から第２リブ先端２６ａまでの部分を第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａと第２成形部外側面１０８ｃとの間から抜き出せるようにするために、第２成形部外側面１０８ｃに前記抜き勾配β２が設けられるとともに第２上型外側部１１６の内側面１１６ａに第２分割ライン１２２側へ向かうにつれて第２成形部外側面１０８ｃから遠ざかるように傾斜する抜き勾配δ２が設けられる。 Therefore, in this modification, the portion of the first rib 24 of the material 200 after forging from the first dividing line 121 to the tip 24a of the first rib is referred to as the inner side surface 114a of the outer portion 114 of the first upper mold in the mold release step. The draft gradient β1 is provided on the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion and the first division is provided on the inner surface 114a of the outer surface 114 of the first upper mold so that the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion can be extracted. A draft δ1 that inclines so as to move away from the outer surface 108b of the first molded portion toward the line 121 side is provided. Further, in the mold release step, the portion of the second rib 26 of the material 200 after forging from the second dividing line 122 to the tip 26a of the second rib is formed on the inner side surface 116a of the outer side portion 116 of the second upper mold and the outside of the second molding portion. The draft gradient β2 is provided on the outer surface 108c of the second molding portion and toward the second division line 122 side on the inner surface 116a of the outer side portion 116 of the second upper mold so that the outer surface 108c can be extracted from the side surface 108c. A draft δ2 that inclines so as to move away from the outer surface 108c of the second molded portion is provided.

また、この変形例では、離型工程において第１下型内側面１１０ａと第２下型内側面１１２ａとの間から鍛造後の素材２００の第１及び第２分割ライン１２１，１２２から基壁部２２側の部分を抜き出せるようにするために、第１下型内側面１１０ａに下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に第２下型内側面１１２ａと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜する抜き勾配ε１が設けられるとともに、第２下型内側面１１２ａに下型基部内側面１０９ａから離れるにつれて徐々に第１下型内側面１１０ａと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜する抜き勾配ε２が設けられる。 Further, in this modification, in the mold release step, the base wall portion is formed from the first and second dividing lines 121 and 122 of the material 200 after forging from between the inner side surface 110a of the first lower mold and the inner side surface 112a of the second lower mold. In order to allow the portion on the 22 side to be extracted, the first lower mold inner surface 110a is gradually inclined toward the outside opposite to the second lower mold inner surface 112a as the distance from the lower mold base inner surface 109a is increased. A slope ε1 is provided, and a draft slope ε2 is provided on the inner side surface 112a of the second lower mold so as to gradually incline toward the outside opposite to the inner side surface 110a of the first lower mold as the distance from the inner side surface 109a of the lower mold base portion 109a.

この変形例では、前記のように第１分割ライン１２１が第１リブ２４の前記中央の位置２５と第１リブ先端２４ａとの間の位置に設けられるとともに前記抜き勾配β１，δ１，ε１がそれぞれ対応する面に設けられることにより、鍛造工程において第１リブ２４のうち第１分割ライン１２１から第１リブ先端２４ａまでの部分が第１リブ先端２４ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に肉厚が減少する形状に鍛造されるものの、第１リブ２４のうち基壁部２２側の端部から前記中央の位置２５よりも基壁部２２から離れた第１分割ライン１２１の位置までの部分は大きい肉厚に鍛造することができる。また、前記のように第２分割ライン１２２が第２リブ２６の前記中央の位置２７と第２リブ先端２６ａとの間の位置に設けられるとともに前記抜き勾配β２，δ２，ε２がそれぞれ対応する面に設けられることにより、鍛造工程において第２リブ２６のうち第２分割ライン１２２から第２リブ先端２６ａまでの部分が第２リブ先端２６ａ側へ向かうにつれて徐々に肉厚が減少する形状に鍛造されるものの、第２リブ２６のうち基壁部２２側の端部から前記中央の位置２５よりも基壁部２２から離れた第２分割ライン１２２の位置までの部分は大きい肉厚に鍛造することができる。従って、この変形例では、前記実施形態ほどではないものの、第１及び第２リブ２４，２６を基壁部２２から比較的離れた位置まで大きい肉厚にすることができ、ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性を高めることができる。 In this modification, as described above, the first dividing line 121 is provided at a position between the central position 25 of the first rib 24 and the tip 24a of the first rib, and the drafts β1, δ1, and ε1, respectively. By being provided on the corresponding surface, in the forging process, the portion of the first rib 24 from the first dividing line 121 to the first rib tip 24a gradually decreases in wall thickness toward the first rib tip 24a side. However, the portion of the first rib 24 from the end on the base wall portion 22 side to the position of the first dividing line 121 away from the base wall portion 22 than the central position 25 has a large wall thickness. Can be forged. Further, as described above, the second dividing line 122 is provided at a position between the central position 27 of the second rib 26 and the tip 26a of the second rib, and the draft slopes β2, δ2, and ε2 correspond to each other. In the forging process, the portion of the second rib 26 from the second dividing line 122 to the second rib tip 26a is forged into a shape in which the wall thickness gradually decreases toward the second rib tip 26a side. However, the portion of the second rib 26 from the end on the base wall portion 22 side to the position of the second dividing line 122 away from the base wall portion 22 from the central position 25 is forged to a large wall thickness. Can be done. Therefore, in this modification, although not as much as in the above embodiment, the first and second ribs 24 and 26 can be made thicker to a position relatively distant from the base wall portion 22, and the camber of the knuckle upper portion 16 can be made thicker. Rigidity can be increased.

また、図１０に示す変形例のように、ナックル上部１６の第１リブ２４が、基壁部２２から突出する第１リブ本体３１と、その第１リブ本体３１の突出方向の先端部から第２リブ２６と反対の外側へ延出された第１先端延出部３２とを有するとともに、ナックル上部１６の第２リブ２６が、基壁部２２から突出する第２リブ本体３３と、その第２リブ本体３３の突出方向の先端部から第１リブ２４と反対の外側へ延出された第２先端延出部３４とを有していてもよい。この変形例では、第１分割ライン１２１は、第１リブ２４の外側面のうちの第１リブ先端２４ａの位置、より具体的には、第１先端延出部３２の外側面のうちの第１リブ先端２４ａの位置に設けられ、第２分割ライン１２２は、第２リブ２６の外側面のうちの第２リブ先端２６ａの位置、より具体的には、第２先端延出部３４の外側面のうちの第２リブ先端２６ａの位置に設けられる。 Further, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 10, the first rib 24 of the knuckle upper portion 16 projects from the base wall portion 22 and the first rib main body 31 and the tip portion of the first rib main body 31 in the protruding direction. A second rib body 33 having a first tip extending portion 32 extending outward opposite to the two ribs 26, and a second rib 26 of the upper portion 16 of the knuckle protruding from the base wall portion 22, and a second rib main body 33 thereof. It may have a second tip extending portion 34 extending outward from the tip portion of the two rib main body 33 in the protruding direction, which is opposite to the first rib 24. In this modification, the first dividing line 121 is the position of the first rib tip 24a on the outer surface of the first rib 24, more specifically, the first of the outer surfaces of the first tip extending portion 32. The second dividing line 122 is provided at the position of the 1-rib tip 24a, and the second dividing line 122 is provided at the position of the 2nd rib tip 26a on the outer surface of the 2nd rib 26, more specifically, outside the second tip extending portion 34. It is provided at the position of the tip 26a of the second rib on the side surface.

この変形例では、第１リブ２４のうち基壁部２２から最も離れた第１リブ先端２４ａにおいて第１先端延出部３２により肉厚を増加させることができるとともに、第２リブ２６のうち基壁部２２から最も離れた第２リブ先端２６ａにおいて第２先端延出部３４により肉厚を増加させることができる。このため、ナックル上部１６のキャンバー剛性を高めることができる。 In this modification, the wall thickness can be increased by the first tip extending portion 32 at the first rib tip 24a farthest from the base wall portion 22 of the first rib 24, and the base of the second rib 26. At the second rib tip 26a farthest from the wall portion 22, the wall thickness can be increased by the second tip extending portion 34. Therefore, the camber rigidity of the upper portion 16 of the knuckle can be increased.

なお、この変形例において、第１分割ライン１２１は、第１先端延出部３２の外側面のうち第１リブ先端２４ａの位置ではなく、第１リブ２４の基壁部２２からの突出方向に沿う方向における第１先端延出部３２の範囲内の任意の位置に設けられてもよい。また、第２分割ライン１２２は、第２先端延出部３４の外側面のうち第２リブ先端２６ａの位置ではなく、第２リブ２６の基壁部２２からの突出方向に沿う方向における第２先端延出部３４の範囲内の任意の位置に設けられてもよい。 In this modification, the first dividing line 121 is not at the position of the first rib tip 24a on the outer surface of the first tip extending portion 32, but in the protruding direction from the base wall portion 22 of the first rib 24. It may be provided at an arbitrary position within the range of the first tip extending portion 32 in the along direction. Further, the second dividing line 122 is not the position of the second rib tip 26a on the outer surface of the second tip extending portion 34, but the second in the direction along the protruding direction from the base wall portion 22 of the second rib 26. It may be provided at an arbitrary position within the range of the tip extending portion 34.

また、本発明における車両用ナックルは、必ずしもハイマウントナックルに限定されるものではなく、ハイマウントナックルよりもナックル上部が短い、いわゆるショートナックルであってもよい。 Further, the vehicle knuckle in the present invention is not necessarily limited to the high mount knuckle, and may be a so-called short knuckle in which the upper part of the knuckle is shorter than the high mount knuckle.

２ 車輪支持体
８ アッパーアーム
１０ 車両用ナックル
１４ ナックル下部
１６ ナックル上部
２２ 基壁部
２２ａ 基壁部内側面
２２ｂ 基壁部外側面
２４ 第１リブ
２４ａ 第１リブ先端
２４ｂ 第１リブ内側面
２４ｃ 第１リブ外側面
２６ 第２リブ
２６ａ 第２リブ先端
２６ｂ 第２リブ内側面
２６ｃ 第２リブ外側面
５０ サスペンション
１０１ 下型
１０２ 上型
１０８ 上型内側成形部
１１０ 第１下型外側部
１１２ 第２下型外側部
１１４ 第１上型外側部
１１６ 第２上型外側部
２００ 素材 2 Wheel support 8 Upper arm 10 Vehicle knuckle 14 Knuckle lower part 16 Knuckle upper part 22 Base wall part 22a Base wall part inner side surface 22b Base wall part outer side surface 24 First rib 24a First rib tip 24b First rib inner side surface 24c First Rib outer surface 26 2nd rib 26a 2nd rib tip 26b 2nd rib inner surface 26c 2nd rib outer surface 50 Suspension 101 Lower mold 102 Upper mold 108 Upper mold inner molding part 110 1st lower mold outer side 112 2nd lower mold Outer part 114 1st upper mold outer part 116 2nd upper mold outer part 200 Material

Claims (6)

車輪支持体が取り付けられるナックル下部と、前記ナックル下部から連続するように設けられてサスペンションのアッパーアームに連結されるナックル上部とを備え、前記ナックル上部が、車両の前後方向に沿って配置される基壁部と、前記車両の前後方向における前記基壁部の一端部から前記車両の幅方向における一方側へ突出する第１リブと、前記基壁部の前記一端部と反対側の端部から前記一方側へ突出する第２リブとを有する車両用ナックルを製造する方法であって、
下型と上型との間で素材を挟み込むことにより前記素材を前記車両用ナックルの形状に鍛造する鍛造工程と、
鍛造後の前記素材から前記下型及び前記上型を分離させる離型工程と、を備え、
前記下型は、前記鍛造工程において前記基壁部の外側面から前記第１リブ及び前記第２リブのそれぞれの外側面にかけての領域を成形するように構成されていて、前記第１リブの外側で当該第１リブの外側面を成形する第１下型外側部と、前記第２リブの外側で当該第２リブの外側面を成形する第２下型外側部と、を有し、
前記上型は、前記鍛造工程において前記第１下型外側部と前記第２下型外側部との間に挿入されて前記基壁部の内側面から前記第１リブ及び前記第２リブのそれぞれの内側面にかけての領域を成形する上型内側成形部と、前記鍛造工程において前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態で前記第１リブの外側において前記第１下型外側部と当接する第１上型外側部と、前記鍛造工程において前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態で前記第２リブの外側において前記第２下型外側部と当接する第２上型外側部と、を有し、
前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態での前記第１下型外側部と前記第１上型外側部との間の境界に相当する第１分割ラインが前記第１リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第１リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置に設けられ、
前記下型と前記上型とが型閉めされた状態での前記第２下型外側部と前記第２上型外側部との間の境界に相当する第２分割ラインが前記第２リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第２リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置に設けられる、車両用ナックルの製造方法。 The lower part of the knuckle to which the wheel support is attached and the upper part of the knuckle provided continuously from the lower part of the knuckle and connected to the upper arm of the suspension are provided, and the upper part of the knuckle is arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. From the base wall portion, the first rib projecting from one end portion of the base wall portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle to one side in the width direction of the vehicle, and the end portion of the base wall portion opposite to the one end portion. A method for manufacturing a vehicle knuckle having a second rib protruding to one side.
A forging process in which the material is forged into the shape of the vehicle knuckle by sandwiching the material between the lower mold and the upper mold, and
A mold release step for separating the lower mold and the upper mold from the forged material is provided.
The lower mold is configured to form a region from the outer surface of the base wall portion to the outer surfaces of the first rib and the second rib in the forging step, and is configured to form a region outside the first rib. It has a first lower mold outer portion for forming the outer surface of the first rib, and a second lower mold outer portion for forming the outer surface of the second rib on the outer side of the second rib.
The upper mold is inserted between the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the second lower mold in the forging step, and the first rib and the second rib are respectively inserted from the inner surface of the base wall portion. An upper mold inner molding portion for molding a region extending to the inner side surface of the mold, and the first lower mold outer portion outside the first rib with the lower mold and the upper mold closed in the forging step. A second upper mold that contacts the outer portion of the first upper mold that comes into contact with the outer portion of the second lower mold outside the second rib in a state where the lower mold and the upper mold are closed in the forging process. With the outer part,
The first dividing line corresponding to the boundary between the outer portion of the first lower mold and the outer portion of the first upper mold in a state where the lower mold and the upper mold are closed is the said of the first rib. It is provided at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the first rib in the projecting direction from the base wall portion.
The second dividing line corresponding to the boundary between the outer portion of the second lower mold and the outer portion of the second upper mold in a state where the lower mold and the upper mold are closed is the second rib. A method for manufacturing a knuckle for a vehicle, which is provided at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the second rib in the projecting direction from the base wall portion. 前記第１分割ラインは、前記第１リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第１リブ先端の位置に設けられ、
前記第２分割ラインは、前記第２リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第２リブ先端の位置に設けられる、請求項１に記載の車両用ナックルの製造方法。 The first dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the first rib, which is the portion of the first rib farthest from the base wall portion.
The method for manufacturing a knuckle for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the second rib, which is the portion of the second rib farthest from the base wall portion. 前記第１下型外側部は、前記鍛造工程において前記第１リブの外側面を成形する第１下型内側面を有し、
前記第１下型内側面は、前記第１分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第２下型外側部と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜し、
前記第２下型外側部は、前記鍛造工程において前記第２リブの外側面を成形する第２下型内側面を有し、
前記第２下型外側部は、前記第２分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第１下型外側部と反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜している、請求項１又は２に記載の車両用ナックルの製造方法。 The outer portion of the first lower mold has an inner surface of the first lower mold that forms the outer surface of the first rib in the forging step.
The inner surface of the first lower mold is inclined toward the outside opposite to the outer portion of the second lower mold as it approaches the first dividing line.
The outer portion of the second lower mold has an inner surface of the second lower mold that forms the outer surface of the second rib in the forging step.
The manufacture of a vehicle knuckle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second lower mold outer portion is inclined toward the outer side opposite to the first lower mold outer portion as it approaches the second dividing line. Method. 車両用ナックルであって、
車輪支持体が取り付けられるナックル下部と、
前記ナックル下部から連続するように設けられてサスペンションのアッパーアームに連結されるナックル上部と、を備え、
前記ナックル上部は、車両の前後方向に沿って配置される基壁部と、前記車両の前後方向における前記基壁部の一端部から前記車両の幅方向における一方側へ突出する第１リブと、前記基壁部の前記一端部と反対側の端部から前記一方側へ突出する第２リブと、を有し、
前記第１リブは、前記第２リブと反対側を向く面である第１リブ外側面を有し、
前記第２リブは、前記第１リブと反対側を向く面である第２リブ外側面を有し、
前記第１リブ外側面のうち前記第１リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第１リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置には、前記車両用ナックルが下型と上型との間で鍛造されたときに前記下型のうち前記第１リブの外側で前記第１リブ外側面を成形する第１下型外側部と前記上型のうち前記第１リブの外側に位置する第１上型外側部との間の境界に形成される第１分割ラインが設けられ、
前記第２リブ外側面のうち前記第２リブの前記基壁部からの突出方向における前記第２リブの中央の位置よりも前記基壁部から離れた位置には、前記車両用ナックルが前記下型と前記上型との間で鍛造されたときに前記下型のうち前記第２リブの外側で前記第２リブ外側面を成形する第２下型外側部と前記上型のうち前記第２リブの外側に位置する第２上型外側部との間の境界に形成される第２分割ラインが設けられている、車両用ナックル。 It ’s a knuckle for vehicles,
The lower part of the knuckle to which the wheel support is attached,
The knuckle upper part provided so as to be continuous from the knuckle lower part and connected to the upper arm of the suspension is provided.
The upper part of the knuckle includes a base wall portion arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a first rib protruding from one end of the base wall portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle to one side in the width direction of the vehicle. It has a second rib projecting from an end portion of the base wall portion opposite to the one end portion to the one side.
The first rib has an outer surface of the first rib, which is a surface facing the opposite side of the second rib.
The second rib has an outer surface of the second rib, which is a surface facing the opposite side of the first rib.
The vehicle knuckle is a lower die at a position of the outer surface of the first rib that is farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the first rib in the projecting direction of the first rib from the base wall portion. When forged between the upper mold and the upper mold, the outer portion of the first lower mold that forms the outer surface of the first rib on the outer side of the first rib of the lower mold and the first rib of the upper mold A first dividing line formed at the boundary between the outer part of the first upper die located on the outer side is provided.
The vehicle knuckle is located below the outer surface of the second rib at a position farther from the base wall portion than the central position of the second rib in the projecting direction of the second rib from the base wall portion. When forged between the mold and the upper mold, the outer portion of the second lower mold that forms the outer surface of the second rib on the outer side of the second rib of the lower mold and the second of the upper molds. A vehicle knuckle provided with a second dividing line formed at the boundary with the outer portion of the second upper die located on the outer side of the rib. 前記第１分割ラインは、前記第１リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第１リブ先端の位置に設けられ、
前記第２分割ラインは、前記第２リブのうち前記基壁部から最も離れた部位である第２リブ先端の位置に設けられている、請求項４に記載の車両用ナックル。 The first dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the first rib, which is the portion of the first rib farthest from the base wall portion.
The vehicle knuckle according to claim 4, wherein the second dividing line is provided at the position of the tip of the second rib, which is the portion of the second rib farthest from the base wall portion. 前記第１リブ外側面のうち前記基壁部側の端部から前記第１分割ラインの位置までの領域は、前記第１分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第２リブと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜し、
前記第２リブ外側面のうち前記基壁部側の端部から前記第２分割ラインの位置までの領域は、前記第２分割ラインへ近づくにつれて前記第１リブと反対の外側へ向かうように傾斜している、請求項４又は５に記載の車両用ナックル。 The region of the outer surface of the first rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the first dividing line is inclined toward the outside opposite to the second rib as it approaches the first dividing line. death,
The region of the outer surface of the second rib from the end on the base wall side to the position of the second dividing line is inclined toward the outside opposite to the first rib as it approaches the second dividing line. The vehicle knuckle according to claim 4 or 5.
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012020341A (en) * 2003-02-18 2012-02-02 Showa Denko Kk Method for producing metal forged product
JP2014519987A (en) * 2011-06-27 2014-08-21 マーレ インターナショナル ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング Forging method for producing a piston or piston shaft
JP2017165126A (en) * 2016-03-14 2017-09-21 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Manufacturing method of suspension member
JP2019031267A (en) * 2017-08-09 2019-02-28 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Vehicle knuckle

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012020341A (en) * 2003-02-18 2012-02-02 Showa Denko Kk Method for producing metal forged product
JP2014519987A (en) * 2011-06-27 2014-08-21 マーレ インターナショナル ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング Forging method for producing a piston or piston shaft
JP2017165126A (en) * 2016-03-14 2017-09-21 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Manufacturing method of suspension member
JP2019031267A (en) * 2017-08-09 2019-02-28 株式会社神戸製鋼所 Vehicle knuckle

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